How weird is it to be struck by 'Writer's block' while writing a blog about it?
Well, not so much! I believe it's a great way to test the methods that have been researched and collected to overcome the very same thing - the cruelty that every writer has been subjected to, time and again, in their lives. It doesn't matter what kind of writer you are, either the one who waits for inspiration to strike and words to flow out of your mind like a waterfall or someone who chooses their domain, writing and unwriting until it feels right, writer's block unanimously frustrates us all. Inorder to overcome it, there is a necessity to understand it with absolute clarity.
So, what is writer's block?
It's a condition where the writer is unable to think of the appropriate words or proceed with his ideas in writing. It is usually exhibited through blank stares and dissatisfied compositions. The reason, as to why, a writer feels intellectually fractured can be anything from physical exhaustion to self-criticisms to baseless inhibitions surrounding the work. Maybe it is rooted in fear related to the reader's acceptance or simply a belief that the work is not good enough. Whatever may it be, here are a few things a writer can do to tame it, based on various psychological researches.
Spend time in nature
Irrespective of being a nature lover, taking a small walk or immersing oneself in the details of nature has been proven to be one of the best methods to enhance the art of writing. There are numerous research papers that prove how spending time in nature fosters a human's imagination and flexibility - which is quite possibly the primary needs of a creative work. Also, this time spent away from writing gives the brain that much needed break and prevents it from going into overdrive while also helping the writer rediscover his inspiration.
Be unsatisfied
One of the main reasons for writer's block is the need to be perfect and the pressure to deliver the exact ideas and emotions in words. But the truth is you don't have to - you don't have to have the proper structure or the proper words, especially when writing the first draft. Let the obsession for accuracy or flow fade away and focus more on getting the fragmented ideas on paper. It is important to understand that beautiful creations are a result of methodical process where ideas undergo development and structuring to near-perfection over a course of time (This is especially true for writers who are just starting out!) So, be okay with not being okay the first time around.
Make changes to the workspace
This point is true, not just for a writer but for anyone having a job that is creatively inclined. Multitude of researches conducted on the effect a place of work has on man's productivity has established that changing up the creative workspace is a great way to positively influence a person's imagination. These changes can be as subtle as aesthetic arrangement of books and clutter-free workstation to something as big as switching up the colour and decor of the office entirely. This is, further, supported by studies conducted on colour-psychology that states that painting walls in colours like blue and yellow can enhance a person's productivity and creativity respectively.
Stop writing
Don't be alarmed! We are not advising you to stop writing all together and do something else. Just skip the part you're struggling with momentarily and move to another prompt or chapter or topic. This way, the writer is able to maintain the flow of creativity as he continues to write the other sections giving him the satisfaction of being productive. It further helps him avoid the frustration which comes along with not advancing or wasting time attempting to write the concerned part. The much needed break also serves as a great nudge for the writer to adopt a different perspective or writing approach for the same.
Honour the lows
This is one of the most important points to keep in mind while writing. Forcing yourself to be creative when your mind says otherwise does more harm than good. Personally, taking some time off from the process and indulging in some of my favourite activities like reading a book or going out into the world or even just meeting a friend and having a light-hearted conversation has always had a positive effect on my creativity. It is important to note that all these above mentioned activities are not productivity focussed in any way. These are simply ways to embrace and honour those lows in creativity just as we would the heights of it.
I can assure you that these methods work for me every single time. If it did for you as well!
Let us know.
Thanks for reading!
Akshara Dinakaran
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