Don’t Feel Like Writing? Try These 5 Stimulating Practices!
Raise your hand if you’re a writer with a loss for words at times. Yes, we’ve all been there. Sometimes, you feel so jaded that you can barely type a sentence on your keyboard. That’s perfectly normal!
Also, there's that occasional boredom or frustration that creeps up in your mind. Right? Honestly, I have no clue why that happens. Maybe it’s just the human mind going through the natural cadence of rest and activity.
Well, if you constantly finding yourself stuck in the mud, I got some exercises to help get your creativity back in the groove! They have helped me in the most unproductive moods, and I hope they work for you too!
Exercise #1 — Sing, Sing a Song!
Don’t fret if you’re not a powerhouse like Pavarotti. Just think of a song that energies you and belch its tune. It’s like a free association writing exercise but verbal. I usually choose songs with happy tunes that keep me going. Humming works too.
There’s something special about harmonious words, especially when sung by a character. It could be some kind of escapism. I channel Scar (from the Lion King) and Phantom (From Phantom of the Opera) from time to time as I sing away my writer blues.
Exercise #2 — Read
I love reading and languages. non-fiction with highly informative content. Reading lets me explore the perspectives of other writers, and hone my skills. So if writing feels like squeezing water from a rock, it’s time to shore up on some reading material!
Exercise #3 — Spend Time With Loved Ones
Family means a great deal to me. My wife and children inspire me all the time through ups and downs. Whenever I feel unmotivated, I’ll take a break from my work to have conversations with my kids. It’s fun, and sometimes a simple make-believe scenario with toys can open doors to fresh writing ideas.
Exercise #4 — Play Video Games
Video games have played a huge role in shaping my creativity for as long as I can recall. The storylines, dialogues, and interactive elements provide my mind with a nutritional boost. I usually go for strategy games that hone my time management skills. Sometimes I’ll immerse myself in fast-paced action games to improve my reflexes and reactions. In a nutshell, these virtual sessions perk me up and help me express myself with greater confidence.
Exercise #5 — Have a Good Conversation
I left the best (for me at least) for last — having great conversations with people who matter. It doesn’t even need to be a face-to-face affair. A simple chat with a FaceBook friend is at times enough to kickstart the writing engine. There’s truly a bounty of information to learn from others!
Go Forth and Keep Writing!
And that sums up my little writing guide. It’s not exhaustive, but these exercises have worked well for me for years. How do you cope with the anxiety, fear, self-doubt, and boredom that pop up in your writing life? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
