Everyone has to write essays in college, and they can often be difficult -- even for people who enjoy writing. Sometimes you’re faced with writer’s block, you get bored or you’re too uncomfortable to think clearly. But there are ways to eliminate these problems and make writing easier.
- Environment. Most people usually prefer a quiet place. Comfortable temperature is also important. It is impossible to write a paper when the room is so cold that your hands freeze off. Use other things you find relaxing or helpful. I personally like LED fairy lights.
- Activity. It’s easy to get antsy when you’re sitting at a desk for hours at a time. Make sure to get up, even just to stretch or walk around the room. If you have time, do some of your regular workouts or go for a run outside. Getting away from your books and computer is important. Staring at a screen or text too long can strain your eyes, causing deterioration of vision or just dizziness and headaches. Stop about every fifteen minutes and look at something about twenty feet from you (look out the window) for a few minutes.
- Food and water. Have plenty of water handy, and keep some fruit nearby. You know what, have some cupcakes. Treat yo' self. You're working hard. Hot tea also makes writing more relaxing, especially in the winter. Being hungry or dehydrated, as well as being unhealthy, can ruin your mood and focus. If you’re not hungry, try some hard candy or gum.
- Comfortable clothes. If you’re at home or in a casual environment, wear the most relaxed outfit you have, such as your pajamas. That’s what would help most people, but for some folks wearing something nicer inspires them to work harder. Whatever works for you.
- Take breaks. Do something that takes your mind off of your paper. Inspiration and good ideas can come when you’re least expecting them. It’s like the old “I thought of it in the shower” thing many writers and other creators do. Things you can do include reading, watching TV, talking to a friend or napping. Just make sure you don’t get carried away and completely forget about the paper. Not that I’ve done that before…
- Posture. Slouching at your computer will cause back problems in the long run. Make sure you sit up straight, and try to get a chair with good support. Those awful desks they have in classrooms are examples of what you should NOT sit in. Also try not to sit in ways that make your limbs fall asleep. Posture and activity keep your blood circulating well to keep you more comfortable.
- Music. Listening to music can be relaxing, particularly instrumental, though this is also different for everyone. It can keeps your mind going a bit without being distracted. Try classical, instrumental hip-hop, orchestral film soundtracks, and the like. Some people prefer very quiet music, but others work better with music blasting. Maybe have a mix of different genres. Sometimes it’s good to have a change of pace, so play some Iggy Pop when you’re tired of Beethoven.
- Organization. Make sure you have all of the materials you need handy, such as your sources. It’s difficult to get work done when you have to stop and search for the book that contains the quote you want every five minutes. It’s also helpful if you can see most of the materials you’ll be using in front of you, so try not to leave things in jumbled piles. Use index cards or a whiteboard to help organize your thoughts and topics.
- Stream of consciousness. If you don’t know what to write next, just start writing everything that comes to mind, even if it has nothing to do with your paper. Write it in your own style (such as foregoing punctuation) so that it’s your raw thoughts. You can edit later.
- Start writing as soon as you can. Waiting until the last minute puts unnecessary stress on you, and you don’t have the time to make sure your paper is as good as you’d like it to be.
Writing a paper can pose problems for everyone, but these can be overcome by taking the right steps. These are only some of the things you can do to make writing your paper a more productive and (gasp) enjoyable experience, but it’s a place to start.
