Writer’s block is an all-too-familiar sensation for most writers, no matter what type of literature they’re creating. Whether it’s academic, creative, or non-fiction; this mental block is not uncommon and can take many forms. It can stem from a lack of inspiration, anxiety regarding the quality of your writing, or too many external responsibilities getting in the way. Fortunately, there are several tips and tricks you can use when you start to feel yourself slow down.

The first trick is to just write. This might seem quite obvious, but this tip is a great way to combat writer’s block that originates from low inspiration or any quality-related anxieties. If you’re so caught up in what your work should look like that it’s hard to sit down and write, you should focus on getting anything down on paper. For me, writing reaches a flow that, once I start, isn’t hard to fall into. But typically, it’s actually starting as a session that holds me up. That said, you don’t have to set off with the intention of writing material that will make it to the final draft. In this case, simply write for the sake of writing. You could even write to organically work towards an idea you love or work you consider quality. It doesn’t have to be perfect from the second you sit down to work.

However, this tip won’t work quite as well for those bogged down by external responsibilities. You’d probably love to ‘just write,’ but could feel like there’s so much else that requires your immediate attention before you can sit down for a session. Therefore, writing can get pushed to the side. To combat this, you might want to take some time to reflect upon why you started to write in the first place which is, most likely, because of a genuine love and passion for the craft. You might try to capture that feeling of love and recall it the next time you might want to push writing aside. If writing is a part of your life you love, then allowing yourself time for it is an act of self-care, which is extremely important to consider even when operating on a busy schedule.  A good way to create time is to develop a solid writing routine, as described in a blog post accessed here.

You could also change up your workspace, writing location, or your document’s appearance. If you find yourself unable to write, a change of scenery might help kickstart your brain. Going to a new coffee shop or library to work provides your brain with new information and stimuli, which can help sharpen your focus and boost your creativity. Similarly, something as simple as changing the font or color of your writing can ‘trick’ your brain into thinking it’s looking at something new, therefore creating a similar effect to the change in physical scenery.

Writer’s block can definitely be discouraging, but you’re not alone in the feeling. Following these tips and tricks can do wonders for rekindling your writing flame.