Let’s face it. A writer’s block happens to anyone. It can happen to a novice. It can happen to an expert.
When your creative juices drop, it gets challenging to spark off ideas and produce an article, a story, or an essay. Getting the first line out may come easy by allowing yourself some ways to indulge in inspiration.
Inspiration can be from something you see, hear, taste, touch, smell, and feel. Pause and ignore that self-doubt within you and read these 5 ways to get you to write.
1. Observe a painting.
There’s a saying that goes, “A picture paints a thousand words”. Visuals such as paintings evoke feelings in us, both positive and negative. If you acknowledge these feelings images can trigger in you, there’s a window of opportunity where you could express them in a written form.
Observe a painting and get caught in the mixture of colors. What do they convey? Look at the strokes, lines, shapes, patterns, and whirls. What do they communicate to you?
View the elements on the landscape. What are being used as a subject? Are they in shadow or silhouette? Do the elements create balance or contrast? Is there unity in the design?
Write your thoughts. Write them in words. Write them in phrases. Write them in sentences. Write with no inhibitions and you will be able to pour out your ideas in its most raw form.
2. Listen to music.
Music can help you remember the past, enjoy the moment, and imagine the future. Music can hit even your deepest hidden emotions. Because of this, it serves as a great stimulus for anyone to write their thoughts out.
In addition, a pleasant audio can direct your focus and make you zone in to what you want to write. Listen to the melody and visualize the climax of the story behind the song. What kind of emotions does the song arouse in you?
Hear out the rhythm and bob your head to the beat of the music. Tap your fingers along the tempo of the song. As you listen, write down anything that comes to your head. Whatever chatter you are thinking, note them down.
After listening to a song, you can be more refreshed because it can elevate your mood. It can heighten your thinking and feeling capacities.
3. Smell flowers and fruits.
Different flowers have different scents that may bring out a range of emotions in you. Some floral scents may compel you to recall childhood experiences.
Some flowers may make you less distressed and may put you in a relaxing state.Some may energize you. Blossoms may steer your train of thought, especially, when you are losing it.
As for fruits, choose the ones with that tangy-sweet scent that can make you feel youthful and invigorated. Some fragrances may transport your imagination to places you want to travel.
Take a moment to stop and sniff in the power of flowers and fruits. Jot down what you feel and what you think.
4. Walk at the park.
If your head feels stuck, try to move and go somewhere else. A park is a good place to be at. The key is to get your body gradually into a movement. Loosen up. Take it easy and go for a walk.
As you make your each step, think of ideas, words, phrases, expressions. Think of happy thoughts and things that interest you. Feel your mood becoming more positive. Walking can lift up your mood and bring out your creative juices.
While you walk, connect with yourself. Visualize what you long for, what you look forward to, and what you miss. Feel the breeze and just simply enjoy the walk.
Let your mind wonder as you wander. Perhaps, you will be able to return to your study table ready and eager to write.
5. Drink coffee.
Not being able to generate ideas and write something may come from fatigue or frustration. To overcome this, it may help to divert your attention to an object that is welcoming. Coffee is one such good alternative.
There’s something about coffee that can make anyone feel better. When you’re feeling robotic or lazy, coffee aroma can wake your senses. It can stir the brain and can perk you up paving the way for grander ideas.
When you’re feeling sad, coffee can turn the situation around for you. You might not feel happy instantly, but your mood will surely improve.
The next time around when you’re feeling empty of what to write, savor the scent of coffee. Let it tease you. Let it connect you to memories. Doing this can make you happier and when you get happier, you become more creative.
It is normal to experience a writer’s block so you don’t have to worry too much. Take a step back, move away from where you are, and find inspiration around you. Painting, music, flowers, fruits, park, and coffee are all treasure troves of inspiration. Engaging in any of these can be good for your stress levels. It can raise your mood and improve your creativity.
