Often, I find myself staring blankly at my computer screen or pad of paper, feeling lost, confused, and thoughtless.
Writer’s block is an all-too-common ailment for many writers. To help remedy this state, I’ve compiled a list of 93 ways to battle writer’s block.
Each method offers a unique way to refresh your wonderful mind and get those creative juices flowing again.
1. Take a Nap
Resting your mind with a quick nap can rejuvenate your creativity and energy levels.
2. Take a Walk
A leisurely walk can clear your mind and often inspire new ideas.
3. Play with Your Children (or Dogs or Strangers)
Interacting with others, especially in a playful manner, can shift your focus and stimulate creativity.
4. Make a Sandwich
Engaging in a simple task like making a sandwich can provide a mental break and refresh your thoughts.
5. Take Your Notebook Outside
Changing your environment can bring new perspectives and inspirations.
6. Call a Good Friend
Talking to a friend can provide support, new ideas, and a fresh outlook.
7. Stack Some Wood
Physical activity, like stacking wood, can help clear mental blocks and reduce stress.
8. Train Your Dog
Focusing on training your pet can be a rewarding distraction and reset your mind.
9. Read a Book
Reading can stimulate your imagination and provide new ideas and insights.
10. Disappear
Taking some time alone, away from distractions, can help you refocus and find clarity.
11. Go Jogging
Exercise, like jogging, can increase blood flow to your brain and spark creativity.
12. Flip on Your Favorite TV Show
Watching something familiar and enjoyable can relax your mind and inspire new thoughts.
13. Watch an Inspiring Movie (like Rocky)
An inspiring movie can motivate you and provide new perspectives on overcoming challenges.
14. Fix Something Broken in Your Home
Tackling a small repair project can be a productive break and give you a sense of accomplishment.
15. Answer Some Emails and Block Spammers
Clearing your inbox can reduce stress and provide a sense of order.
16. Read Your Favorite Blog
Reading content that you enjoy can spark new ideas and reignite your passion for writing.
17. Book a Fantasy Cruise
Planning a great and wonderful dream vacation can be a fun mental escape and refresh your creativity.
18. Grab Your Camera and Shoot
Photography can help you see the world from different angles and inspire new ideas.
19. Hit the Gym
A workout session is a great way to boost your energy levels and improve your focus.
20. See How Quickly You Can Eat a Dozen Donuts
Engaging in a fun challenge can lighten your mood and reduce stress.
21. Drive Around Town and Find Yourself a Thinking Spot
Exploring your local area can provide new environments and inspirations.
22. Read the News
Staying informed can provide new topics and ideas for your writing.
23. Pick a Random Subject and Write About It for Five Minutes Without Stopping
Free writing on a random topic can break through creative blocks and generate new ideas.
24. Make a List of Things You’re Grateful For
Reflecting and thinking on positive aspects of your life can improve your mood and inspire your writing.
25. Serve Someone
Helping others can provide a sense of purpose and shift your perspective.
26. Read Scripture
Spiritual reading can offer comfort and inspiration for new ideas.
27. Pray
Taking a moment to pray can provide peace and clarity.
28. Thank Someone
Expressing gratitude can improve your mood and open up new creative pathways.
29. Move to Twitter for a Few Minutes
A quick social media break can provide new insights and connections.
30. Check Facebook
Engaging with friends and content on Facebook can spark new ideas and inspiration.
31. Find a Favorite Online Service and Donate a Few Dollars
Supporting a cause you care about can provide a sense of fulfillment and motivation.
32. Defragment Your Hard Drive
Organizing your digital space can create a more efficient working environment.
33. Research a Foreign Topic
Learning about something new can stimulate your mind and inspire your writing.
34. Visit City Centers and People Watch
Observing people in different settings can provide new character ideas and storylines.
35. Eat Some Good Food
Enjoying a delicious meal can be a comforting break and refresh your mind.
36. Gaze at the Clouds (or Stars)
Nature observation can be calming and inspire new ideas.
37. Tell Someone You Love Them
Expressing love can improve your mood and open your heart to new creative possibilities.
38. Doodle
Drawing or doodling can stimulate creativity and relax your mind.
39. Build a Small Investment Portfolio
Focusing on a financial project can provide a productive distraction and new insights.
40. Battle Someone in Halo or Another Game of Choice
Playing a game can be a fun break and stimulate strategic thinking.
41. Practice Your Penmanship
Improving your handwriting can be a calming activity and provide a sense of accomplishment.
42. Close Your Eyes and Meditate
Meditation can clear your mind and improve focus and creativity.
43. Think About Nothing
Allowing your mind to rest without any specific thoughts can be refreshing and clear mental blocks.
44. Whistle
Whistling can be a simple, joyful activity that improves your mood.
45. Take a Shower
A shower can be a relaxing break and stimulate new ideas.
46. Practice Yoga or Stretch
Physical activity like yoga or stretching can improve your flexibility and mental clarity.
47. Drink Some Water
Staying hydrated is really super important for overall health and mental function.
48. Breathe in Deep
Deep breathing exercises are a great way to reduce stress and improve focus.
49. Jump Up and Down
Physical activity can increase energy levels and break through mental blocks.
50. Read About Google and Bing Fights
Researching interesting topics can provide new ideas and perspectives.
51. Dust Your Computer (The Inside Will Need It Too, I’m Sure)
Cleaning your workspace can create a more efficient and pleasant environment.
52. Wipe Down Your Keyboard and Screen
A clean workspace can improve focus and productivity.
53. Phone Your Mom and Dad
Talking to family can provide comfort and support.
54. Scream
Letting out a scream can be a release of built-up tension and frustration.
55. Sing
Singing can be a joyful activity that improves your mood and energy levels.
56. Buy Yourself a Puppy
Having a pet can provide companionship and inspiration.
57. Organize Your Home
A tidy living space can improve mental clarity and focus.
58. Vacuum
Cleaning can be a productive break and improve your environment.
59. Say Your Name Backward Three Times Fast
A fun and silly activity can lighten your mood and reduce stress.
60. Subscribe to News Feeds
Staying informed can provide new ideas and topics for your writing.
61. Laugh Maniacally in Frustration
Sometimes, laughing at your frustration can help you see things from a new perspective.
62. Sing the Alphabet
A simple and playful activity can improve your mood and reduce stress.
63. Imagine Your Favorite Nature Scene
Visualization can be a calming activity that inspires new ideas.
64. Mentally Tell Yourself It Will Be Okay
Positive self-talk can improve your mood and boost your confidence.
65. Do One Hundred Push-Ups
Physical exercise can boost ad build your energy levels and mental clarity.
66. Crunch Those Abs
Ab exercises can improve your physical and mental health.
67. Brush Your Teeth
A simple hygiene routine can refresh your mind and body.
68. Lay in Bed for 5 Minutes and Redo Your Morning Routine
Taking a short rest and visualizing a positive morning routine can reset your mind.
69. Check to Be Sure Your Bathroom Is Stocked Up on TP
A simple and practical task can provide a break and improve your environment.
70. Name Your Computer
Personalizing your workspace is a way to make it more enjoyable and inspiring.
71. Alphabetize Your Book Collection
Organizing your books can be a productive break and improve your environment.
72. Visit Your Favorite Restaurant
Enjoying a meal at your favorite restaurant can be a comforting and inspiring break.
73. Tip the Waiter Above the Usual
Acts of kindness can improve your mood and inspire new ideas.
74. Put Yourself in the Shoes of a Famous Person
Imagining life from a different perspective can provide new insights and inspiration.
75. Fingerpaint
Engaging in a creative activity like fingerpainting can stimulate your mind and reduce stress.
76. Create a New Account on a New Social Media Platform You’ve Been Neglecting
Exploring new social media platforms can provide new connections and ideas.
77. Save Your Writing for a New Day and Forget About It
Sometimes taking a break and returning to your writing later can provide new perspectives and ideas.
78. Smell a Flower
Take a moment to smell a flower. The natural fragrance can be calming and provide a refreshing sensory experience.
79. Light a Candle and Watch It Burn
Lighting a candle can create a peaceful ambiance. Watching the flame flicker can be mesmerizing and meditative.
80. Tidy Up Your Blog’s About Page
Revisiting and updating your blog’s about page can be a productive way to spend time and refocus your thoughts.
81. Read Again What You’ve Already Written
Sometimes re-reading your own work can reignite the creative spark and provide new ideas.
82. Print a Few Cherished Photos and Place Them in Prominent Locations
Surrounding yourself with positive memories can improve your mood and inspire your writing.
83. Read Motivational Quotes and Write Your Favorites on Note Cards
Inspirational quotes can provide a quick boost of motivation and serve as reminders throughout your workspace.
84. Replenish Your Supply of Paper Clips
A small, mundane task like organizing your desk supplies can provide a mental break.
85. Eat Something You Really Don’t Like the Taste Of
Experiencing an unpleasant taste can shock your senses and shift your perspective.
86. Paint Yourself with Color
Engaging in a playful and creative activity can free your mind and stimulate new ideas.
87. Change Your Outfit
Changing your clothes can make you feel refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges.
88. Get Into Your Pajamas
Sometimes, getting comfortable can help you relax and find your creative flow.
89. Close Your Eyes
Taking a moment to close your eyes and rest can clear your mind and improve focus.
90. Relax
Allow yourself to unwind and release any built-up tension.
91. Listen
Pay attention to the sounds around you, whether it’s music, nature, or the hum of your surroundings. Listening can be a great source of inspiration.
92. Imagine
Use your imagination to create a vivid mental picture or story. Let your mind wander freely.
93. Write
Finally, just start writing. Sometimes the best way to overcome writer’s block is to dive in and put words on paper, even if they’re not perfect.
Writer’s block is a common challenge, but it can be overcome with a variety of strategies. From physical activities to creative exercises, there are many ways to rejuvenate your mind and find inspiration. The key is to keep trying different methods until you find what works best for you. Remember, the journey to overcoming writer’s block is unique for everyone, so embrace the process and enjoy the exploration. Happy writing!
