When Writer’s Wall Blocks Your Creativity …

Are you bogged down in the middle of a novel? Or stymied developing a plot? I call it writer’s wall. You have to discover a way to climb over, tunnel through, or dig under to find the reward on the other side.

I don’t know about you, but I experience days when my brain seems empty. I’ve learned that procrastination isn’t the answer. Stalling only adds to the stress level. However, sitting in front of the computer with zippo for inspiration doesn’t work, either.

Sometimes a Mini-Vacation Solves the Problem

Remind yourself that temporary delays have happened before, and they’ll probably happen again. Stressing about your lack of creativity won’t help. In fact, stress is counterproductive and can have many undesirable effects.

Short-term stress triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response. This can save you in a dangerous situation like an animal attack, but long-term stress, along with its release of adrenaline and cortisol, can adversely affect several areas of the body.

Some studies indicate that stress kills brain cells. You need every single iota of grey matter when you’re trying to resurrect your muse.

Stress can also cause depression.

“It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.” ~ Hans Selye

“You don’t get ulcers from what you eat. You get them from what’s eating you.” ~ Vicki Baum

Slackers experience greater levels of stress than self-starters, but sometimes you need a break before you pound on the keys.

Explore These 23 Stress-Reduction Techniques

Take a short breather from your writing and try some of the following tips. Make sure you have a notebook handy to jot down any flashes of inspiration that strike while you’re away from your WIP.

1. Get some exercise. Twenty or thirty minutes can clear away the cobwebs.
2. Have a nap. Don’t overdo, though. Twenty minutes will refresh you. More might make you lethargic.
3. Eat a healthy snack. Avoid sweets or high-calorie foods.
4. Read a book, not your own. Note what you like and don’t like about it.
5. Watch a television comedy. The effects of a good laugh can last for hours.
6. Play with a pet. It will benefit you as well as your pet.
7. Sing along to a happy song. Music relieves stress and stimulates creativity.
8. Get a massage. Can’t afford it? Buy a hand massager.
9. Turn off the cellphone and landline. Need I explain?
10. Relax in a hot bath or shower. Enjoy the feel of the water. Deep-breathe in the moist air.
11. Help a friend. When you help someone, you feel good about yourself.
12. Make a charitable donation. (Refer to the above point.)
13. Play a short online game. Note the word short. You don’t want to feel guilty afterward.
14. Clean house. If dusting has been niggling at your conscience, do it. Inspiration often strikes when you least expect it.
15. Do a bit of yard-work. Just like exercise and cleaning, this can energize and motivate you.
16. Get some fresh air. Play in the sun or snow. And while you’re out there, perhaps do the yardwork?
17. Work on a jigsaw puzzle. The exercise of both tactile and visual senses is a positive one-two combo.
18. Treat yourself to a manicure. Just because.
19. Get a haircut. When you look good, you feel good.
20. Pray. Prayer and meditation have reduced stress for billions of people for thousands of years.
21. Perform deep breathing exercises. Even a minute or two a couple of times a day will make a huge difference.
22. Practice a few Yoga poses. Don’t know how? Do several sit-ups to get the blood flowing, and then stretch.
23. Try guided imagery or self-hypnosis recordings.

Closely related to this post are my thoughts on writer’s block.