4 Surprising Ways to Beat Writer’s Block

We’ve all been there. The deadline for a writing assignment is quickly approaching. Try as you might, you simply cannot get started. You stare blankly at a white, empty screen. You try to jot down a few words. Anything at all would be a start! Your mind feels encased by an impenetrable wall blocking any and all attempts at creativity or expression. The harder you try to overcome writer’s block, the more frustrating it becomes. Many students are surprised to learn that even the most seasoned writers sometimes struggle with writer’s block. With combined decades of experience overcoming its gripped, the writers of Power Papers would like to share some surprising ways we’ve found to beat writer’s block and GET WRITING:

1) Stop trying! That’s right-stop writing. Set a timer for around 20-30 minutes and completely forbid yourself from any attempts to write or even think about writing your term paper (or whatever it is you have to write). Take a shower, change into some comfortable clothes, and do whatever you think would be the complete opposite act of writing.

2) Relax: Brain scans confirm that relaxation actually allows our brains to work more efficiently. Blood flow is increased and we can think more clearly. Once you’ve returned to your desk, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Breathe in your nose and out your mouth.

3) Read: Prior to getting started writing, take a few moments to read. Conduct a quick Google search or look up a few references in a library database related to your topic. Skim examples of the way other writers have written about this topic. This should give your almost-ready-to-work brain just the kick-start it needs to get started.

4) Talk: Just before you hit the keyboard, take a few minutes to talk out your thoughts. Most cell phones have the capacity to record brief voice memos. Don’t plan what you are going to say. Just hit record and talk as much as you can for around 2 minutes on your topic. These recordings can be helpful reminders for points you’d like to address or phrases you can use. You might not even need it but the act of speaking your thoughts will help ease into the writing process.

The most important point to remember about the writing process is that it always resides. You can beat it and we hope these four tips help you GET WRITING.