3 Ways to Defeat Writer’s Block

Your #amwriting session was #goals at the start of your project. 4,000+ word count in one sitting. Character arcs on point. Your story heading in the direction your pantsing (or plotting) self dreamed.

But that was weeks ago.

Now? You’re stuck between the formidable rock and hard place with nowhere to go except through the gaping plot hole that seems to have surfaced out of nowhere. What should you do?

After experiencing season after season (after season after season) of these icky situations, I’ve found 3 productive ways to get rid of writer’s block in less time than it takes to brew coffee. (Plus, they’re out of the box.)

Beat the Block

If you have 5 minutes . . . Cleanse your face

Use a face wash or wipe with a scent that you find soothing. Lavender, citrus, and coconut tend to have soft, pleasant fragrances. If you’re using a face wash, lather on the product, rubbing circles from the top of your forehead to your temples tracing down toward your cheeks ‘til they meet at your chin. Aaaah. Breathe in the scent, gently massaging your facial muscles before rinsing with warm water. Dry off with a fluffy towel.

If you’re using the facial wipe, keep the packet in a cool area before use. That way when you gently swipe it around your face, the cool towelette balances the warmth on your face. My current fave is the Yes To Coconut cleansing wipes. The fragrance reminds me of piña coladas (and getting caught in the rain). *insert beach chair, sunglasses, and palm trees here*

Once your face is thoroughly cleansed, give yourself a warm smile in the mirror, then get back to work!

If you have 30 minutes . . . Get in the shower

Preferably alone. But I guess you can take a buddy like your dog if you’d like. If you’re hosting company, you could try Chandler’s approach.

Seriously, though, there’s something healing about jumping into the shower with the water pelting against your skin, washing away the grime in both the literal and figurative sense. You can take as much or as little time as you need to supercharge your ideas. Added points if you sing your favorite pick-me-up songs while you’re in there.

Once you’re squeaky clean, you have a blank slate and are ready to get back to your writing space.

If you have 5 minutes . . . Quick Aerobics

10 jumping jacks with 10-second intervals between each set while listening to your favorite pump-up music right next to your desk. Or a sprint up and down the street. Or follow one of Cassey Ho’s Blogilates videos (she’s AMAZING). Her Call Me Maybe Mighty Squat Challenge takes 5:27 to complete. You can sacrifice the extra 30 seconds.

With aerobics, you free the pent-up energy while releasing much needed endorphins. Plus, the activity allows your heart to infuse your body with oxygen as it pumps out gallons of blood through your system. Feel it, baby.

Also, remember to drink water! Don’t pass out. We still need you.

If you have 30 minutes . . . Full Out Physical Activity

Step away from the writing space, lace up your running shoes, and allow your mind to focus on a different goal altogether. Your goal could be to run/jog/power walk for 30 minutes. Studies show that exercising for at least 20 minutes every day lowers mortality rate while increasing longevity. Why not knock down three pins with one bowl? Getting fresh air, living a healthful lifestyle, and giving your ideas space to expand. Win-win-win situation.

Of course, you’re not limited to running track or treadmill. Choose the physical activity that suits you. Yoga, Zumba, Pilates, ballroom dancing. Any way that you can get your body moving for a set amount of time, do it!

Again, hydrate! Your readers need you.

If you have 5 minutes . . . Text/Tweet

Grab your phone and send out that mini cry for help to someone you know will answer. If s/he doesn’t answer, turn to Twitter (or Facebook, if you prefer) instead.

Twitter’s #amwriting community is known for being supportive, cheering fellow writers on and giving helpful advice. But make sure not to get sucked in for too long. Get the inspiration you need, then apply that to your work.

If you have 30 minutes . . . Gab Sesh

This could be with a creative coach or a confidant you’ve forced to be your therapist (Hi, sis!). Pick up the phone, meet up over coffee, chat over FaceTime. Whatever method you can agree on, make it happen.

You could decide to talk about your frustrations. You could have a brainstorming session to bounce around ideas. Or you could separate yourself from your work and talk about anything and everything BUT your WIP (work in progress).

Like physical activity, verbalizing what’s inside becomes an outlet that releases the pressure valve. And like washing, talking is an emotional cleanser that allows you a new beginning. So gab it out, and you’ll return with a clear path towards your goals.

Use one of these strategies or use them all. BUT make sure you return to your creative work. Don’t make these awesome strategies turn into excuses.

Keep your purpose in mind when you leave  for that brief period of time. Remind yourself why you’ve gone out of your way in the first place. Use them as fuel rather than as a hiding place. In the end, if you can’t bring yourself back to your writing, remember who you’re doing this for — your readers. Now, write on, lovely.