If you are anything like me, you have most likely found yourself at some point in your life staring at an empty word document at around midnight, your mind a blank and a mixture of dread and exhaustion crashing over you. You realize that you have no idea what to write, nor do you really completely care about the subject. Whether the class is unappealing, the paper topic is vague/overly specific, or you just have other things on your mind, you are completely uninspired. It's not even about procrastinating or a lack of knowledge on the subject, you are simply uninspired. Your mind and your brain refuse to communicate. At this point, anything you type will elicit this response from your professor:
So what do you do now? Do you resign and admit you're fucked, or do you buckle down, grab another cup of coffee, and force yourself to write? The answer, from my experience, is a little in between. Here are 5 things to do when you're feeling uninspired.
5. Talk about your ideas
Whether its to your best friend, a professor, or just the wall next to your bed, speak your thoughts out loud. Explain to yourself and others what you are trying to argue or put across in your work. This gives you the ability to both plan out your ideas and get feedback on them before you even start writing. Be open to suggestions, and accept challenges as opportunities to strengthen or revise your argument. You would be surprised how much more you will have to say if you start by simply saying your thesis verbatim out loud. Just make sure you don't end up arguing with your idea partner!
4. Take a shot
No, I'm not kidding. This piece of advice is based of the now-famous Ballmer Peak, which was a theory based on anecdotal evidence from a bunch of Microsoft Programmers that they were better at their jobs when they had a few shots of Jack in them. The actual productivity peak is around 0.075 BAC, which is about 2-3 shots of cheap college-tier rum. Just be sure you aren't driving anywhere, and BE SURE TO SPELLCHECK IN THE MORNING. Also, relevant XKCD.
3. Laugh until you cry
There is something completely refreshing about a good laugh. Ending up on the floor, gasping for air, your sides on fire, and eventually calming down with some long, deep breaths can clear away the mental fog you have found yourself in. It's good for the soul, for your mood, and for your writing. Here are some places to get you started on your gust-busting galavant.
Reddit's "Try Not to Laugh Challenge":
SovietWombles' "Random Rust Bullshittery (pt .2)
And finally "Laeffy", Norway's finest trained soldier.
2. Work Out
Nothing like adrenaline to get the old brain going. Whether your lifting, running, cycling, or playing some Quidditch, a good workout can clear your mind. A good half-hour workout is an excellent way of pushing through writer's block. Just make sure you're not overdoing it. Remember, we're at the University of RAWchester!
1. Go to bed and wake up early
YOU WILL WRITE BETTER MATERIAL WHEN YOU ARE MORE AWAKE. If you have not started writing by 1 a.m., go to bed, wake up around 5 a.m., and write. This is my go-to trick when I feel uninspired. I write best in the morning, but many times I don't have the time to because I am a lazy shit who likes to stay in bed as long as possible. You probably also have a deep and intimate connection with your bed, so resist that urge to sleep in and instead WRITE. This works best if you have a day or two before deadline unfortunately, so if you're reading this for tips on an assignment due tomorrow, keep this list in the back for your mind for next time. Until next time, may your inspiration be found everywhere!
