Are you having trouble figuring out what to write for Associated Content? Did you have an idea and lose it the moment you clicked on the Submit Content tab? Or maybe, you have a writing project that’s due, the deadline is fast approaching, and you’re completely dumb-founded as to how to begin the project; all inspiration has walked out the door. . . your Muse has run away and found someone else to inspire. Writer’s block is something we all suffer from every once in a while, and some of us more than others. Don’t fret, don’t worry, and don’t stress because I have a few tips on how to open up that valve in your brain that will allow the words to flow again!
Get Out Into the Open Air
Sometimes we lose our inspiration because we are cooped up in our offices or houses looking at the computer all day long; the monotony has taken over and we feel almost claustrophobic in our working atmosphere. A very simple cure for this is to get out into the open air for a little while. Go take a walk or a run. If there is a park near by, or even maybe an open market, go spend 30 minutes to an hour just wandering or jogging. Exercise improves circulation and relieves stress. Also, sometimes being in these types of places allows for interaction with other people and things that your writing environment can’t provide. These different interactions can inspire ideas, relieve stress, or even help you see what’s going on in the world beyond the blue screen.
Take a Siesta
It’s very easy to get wrapped up in the grind of work and lose sleep. Sleep is important for writers because it provides some of the most inspiring moments: Dreams. Very often we become so exhausted that we hit the sack and sleep hard, then wake up not remembering our dreams. Or maybe, we stay up stressed out about work all night and don’t get to sleep. The simple solution for this is to take a 15 to 30 minute nap. Some of the best dreams I have ever had have been during my short sleep intervals during the day. Go to your break room during lunch and put your head down to rest, or even go out to your car, put your seat back, set your watch alarm and snooze. Of course, if you work from home, you have your bed close by so it’s easier. Try something different and take a nap outside in your yard, in a hammock, or even in a park.
Relax!
Stress is one of the biggest inspiration stoppers. I know that when I feel stressed or pressed for time I suffer from writer’s block. Stress causes worry, and sometimes it’s easy to become so preoccupied by worrying that we lose focus on what we wanted to write. Just relax, take some deep breaths, and laugh. Think of something funny. Try calling someone that you enjoy talking to and who makes you laugh. Laughter is a wonderful way to relieve stress and lift the weight of worry. If you don’t have someone who makes you laugh, check out some comedians on TV or on the Internet. Sometimes the silly, lighthearted moments in life make for the best writing topics. Another great way to relax is to listen to music. Bring some head-phones to the office, put on one of your favorite MP3’s or CD’s, go out to your car and turn up the radio, or turn on that awesome entertainment system that you have in your living room, you know, the one that you only ever use now for movies, and jam to your favorite band. I often listen to music while I write and it keeps me from becoming tense or stressed. Also, another way to relax is to get out and party. If you like to dance, go to a club. If you enjoy a drink or two, go to the bar. These places can provide interactions with the public that can inspire writing topics as well!
If writer’s block has got a hold of you and deadline is fast approaching, or maybe you just really want to write another great article for Associated content, follow these three tips. If you don’t find another Muse, become inspired, or the words don’t flow again (which chances are, they will!), at least you’ll feel more relaxed.
