I'm not going to lie, I wasn't sure how I would even begin this article. With final demonstrations happening and a busy personal schedule, it's been hard to have a clear mindset. If anything, it's harder to sit down at a computer and let words come. In a city where nobody sleeps and is always moving, it's hard to take a minute and breathe, much less use that time to sit down and write something. All writers can sympathize; writer's block is so real.
You sit there and you have an idea in your head that you absolutely have to get out. You'll lose it if it isn't written down somewhere. But the idea won't form itself into words.
How do you cope with this horrible condition? Here are just a few steps to ensure that writer's block doesn't last too long.
1. Limit how much you use technology.
Yeah, easier said than done. But your phone is a distraction. You can argue that "scrolling through texts might give you an idea" or use Pinterest to get those creative juices flowing, but really, all it does is deter you from your work. That text to your significant other can wait. Forgot to text your best friend last night? If they really are your best friend, they'll understand. Have a new follower on Twitter or Instagram? Cool. Welcome them later.
The plus side to this is not only a break from the same beeps and dings from family and friends, but you'll have more battery life. And if there's anything any cell phone owner knows, it's this: battery life is incredibly precious and must be preserved at all costs. So put that phone down, close that laptop, and draw inspiration from the world around you. You'll see things you might not have noticed before; hear things that might have become arbitrary to you; maybe even smell new things. Your senses will thank you- and your battery life will, too.
2. Go for a walk.
All right, the phone's not going to make that same ding noise again and the laptop is sitting on a table charging. Awesome--go outside. Let your feet guide you. Go with your first instincts: instead of turning right at a street you've been on before, turn left. Do you usually go straight when you're commuting? Take the more scenic route. Explore unseen territory, go where no one else has gone before. See the things you've wanted to see, and then indulge your curiosity a little more.
You will see things as more than just what they are. Who knows where you'll end up? That street you've glanced at on your morning commute might have something inspiring for you to discover. Your mind and body will feel refreshed and ready to write. Walking is exercise, pumping blood through the body and delivering oxygen. More air equals more ideas.
3. Make a cup of tea.
This might sound silly, but a cup of tea can really help when it comes to taking a moment. The warmth of the tea is calming and relaxing, and the aroma awakens the senses. The flavor is always up to you, and you can add as much sugar or cream as you'd like, or none at all. Make a nice cup of earl grey and see what happens as you take that first sip. Tea is all natural and much healthier for you than those energy drinks.
Here's a tip: after a long and intense day, make a hot cup of green tea and add honey. Green tea is beneficial to your overall health, and warm water plus honey makes a nice soothing drink.
4. Get some sleep.
Most of the time, writer's block happens because the mind is overworked and can't function as much as you want it to. The best way to solve that problem is to just rest. When you're asleep, your mind essentially goes blank, and you're laying in complete relaxation. Also, you might have a dream that inspires you. Lots of writers have drawn inspiration from their own dreams. Rest your mind and body, and you'll wake up feeling much better than before.
5. Listen to music.
"But you said to stay away from technology!" Yes, but that doesn't mean you can't use it for your own good sometimes. Put those earbuds in, turn the volume up, and--here's a twist--put it on shuffle. See what plays first. Challenge yourself- -see if you can not skip any of the songs the shuffle function plays. As millennials, the constant struggle is that we pretty much don't like any of the music we listen to. So therein lies the fun of the challenge. Really listen to the artist's lyrics. You might interpret them differently than before. Maybe a specific section of a song reminds you of something.
One way to do it is to turn off all the harsh lights in your space and leave soothing lights on, like Christmas lights or a Himalayan salt lamp if you've got one. Lay in the mood lighting, lay yourself down (or sit in a relaxing position), and let the music take you places.
6. Eat something.
Your mom wasn't kidding when she said you can't function on an empty stomach. At AMDA, we don't really have time to eat. Some of us skip breakfast and get food from the vending machines, or from the student cafe. Those who haven't eaten often say that they have trouble focusing on the task at hand. Their stomachs hurt and they don't have the needed energy to do what they need to do. It's not easy to work on an empty stomach. Your body needs the nutrients and the calories so it can actually have something to do. Even a simple granola bar can make a world of a difference. Of course, if you're at home and dealing with writer's block, oftentimes having a simple but satisfying snack can help. You don't need to cook yourself a feast fit for royalty, but make something quick and filling.
7. Distract yourself.
Oftentimes, when writer's block sets in, it's sometimes helpful to let your mind focus on something else. Perhaps you have another project you've started, but haven't gotten around to finishing- maybe a scarf you've been knitting for a while, or a scrapbooking project you started several years ago but abandoned. Let yourself find another creative outlet, and you'll possibly get that creative spark back. Maybe cook something new or paint a portrait. However, if all else fails...
8. Let your work be.
The idea in your head isn't ready to formulate itself into words, and that's OK! Let it rest, and it might grow into something so big and exciting that you'll finally have that creative streak you need. Writers say that some of their work takes time, and they're absolutely right. J.K. Rowling didn't write the "Harry Potter" series in a day. You can take break. Your idea won't be leaving you anytime soon.
And there you have it. The best way to get over writer's block is really just to ease your mind. A cluttered mindset begets a cluttered piece of work. Writers are artists in their own way, and are their own worst critics. If anything, the pieces we write can be written down now and edited later. Genius takes time. Simmer on your ideas and they'll be better than you expect.
