Are you staring at a blank screen, fingers hovering over the keyboard, and your brain on vacation mode?
Yeah, I have always been there.
Writing is like a roller coaster — sometimes you’re on top of the world, and other times you’re stuck at the bottom, wondering if you’ve forgotten how to string words together.
So, what do you do when you’d rather binge-watch cat videos than put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard)? 9 things to do when you don’t feel like writing.
1. Change Your Writing Space:
The four walls of your room turning into your personal prison?
Shake things up!
Take your laptop to a coffee shop, a park, or even just the other side of your room.
A change of scenery can do wonders for your creativity.
Remember that coffee shop scene from every rom-com ever?
Well, there’s a reason for that. Plus, the smell of coffee is basically liquid inspiration.
2. Freewriting for the Win:
Feeling like your brain is full of cobwebs?
Let’s dust off those neurons with some freewriting.
Set a timer for 10–15 minutes and write whatever comes to mind.
Don’t worry about structure, grammar, or making sense.
Just let the words flow. You’d be surprised at the gems hiding in the chaos.
Example: Start like “The last time I felt truly alive was…” and let your thoughts spill onto the page. It might lead you to unexpected storylines.
3. Take a Walk on the Wild Side:
Stuck in a mental rut?
Step away from the desk and into the great outdoors.
A brisk walk can do wonders for your mind. Fresh air, changing scenery, and a bit of exercise — it’s like hitting the reset button for your brain.
Example: Head to the nearest park, put on your favorite playlist, and let your mind wander.
You’ll be surprised at how nature’s rhythm can sync with your creative flow.
4. Cheat on Your Writing:
No one’s watching, so why not cheat on your current project?
Start something new, whether it’s a short story, a poem, or even a random stream of consciousness.
It’s like having a writing affair, and the best part? No one gets hurt.
5. Use the Pomodoro Technique:
Writing can feel like a marathon, especially when you’re stuck in the mud.
Break it down into manageable chunks with the Pomodoro Technique.
Set a timer for 25 minutes, write like a maniac, then take a 5-minute break. Rinse and repeat.
It’s like a mini-writing party for one.
Example: During your break, do something completely unrelated to writing — maybe a quick dance, a puzzle, or even some jumping jacks to get the blood flowing.
6. Create a Writing Ritual:
Channel your inner sorcerer and conjure up a writing ritual.
Whether it’s lighting a specific candle, playing a certain song, or wearing a quirky hat, rituals signal to your brain that it’s time to get into the writing zone.
Example: Put on your favorite writing playlist, brew a cup of your go-to tea, and don your lucky writing socks. Your brain will start associating these cues with writing time.
Also Read: Why You Should Take Medium Seriously As a Writer?
7. Talk It Out:
Sometimes your thoughts need a little verbal nudging.
Call up a friend, a fellow writer, or even your dog, and spill the beans.
Talking about your ideas out loud can help clarify your thoughts and maybe even lead to a breakthrough.
Maybe grab your phone and leave a voicemail for yourself with your current writing struggles and ideas.
Listening back might help you see things from a new perspective.
8. Embrace the Chaos:
Accept that not every writing session will be a masterpiece.
Give yourself permission to write badly, knowing that editing exists for a reason.
The first draft is like a messy kitchen — you can clean it up later.
Write a paragraph intentionally full of cliches and overused phrases.
It might make you cringe, but it’ll also remind you that even the worst writing can be fixed in editing.
9. Reward Yourself:
Turn writing into a game with rewards.
Set achievable goals and treat yourself when you reach them.
It could be a piece of chocolate, an episode of your favorite show, or even a guilt-free scroll through social media.
Promise yourself a slice of pizza for every 500 words written. You’ll be surprised how motivation skyrockets when pizza is on the line.
Final Thought
Writing slumps happen to the best of us.
The key is not to beat yourself up about it.
Experiment with these tips, find what works for you, and remember — it’s okay to take a break.
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