{"id":1654,"date":"2023-03-07T19:12:53","date_gmt":"2023-03-08T00:12:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spacebarcollective.com\/what-causes-writers-block\/"},"modified":"2024-03-08T15:55:16","modified_gmt":"2024-03-08T20:55:16","slug":"what-causes-writers-block","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spacebarcollective.com\/what-causes-writers-block\/","title":{"rendered":"What Causes Writer\u2019s Block? + 7 Practical Ways To Get Over It"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you find yourself staring at a blank screen, willing the words to come? Most people think of writer’s block as this insurmountable obstacle that prevents them from writing. It is a common problem for writers of all experience levels. But what causes it? More importantly, how can you overcome it? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, we\u2019ll explore what causes writer\u2019s block and seven ways to get over it and stay in the flow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Exactly Is Writer\u2019s Block?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most writers have experienced writer’s block at some point in their lives. Whether you’re a student struggling to finish an essay or a professional author working on your latest novel, this frustrating condition can strike at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what exactly is writer’s block?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a period when you can not produce new ideas or put them into words. You might feel an idea coming to you, but you struggle to identify and analyze it. Writer\u2019s block also causes you to go back and forth. You will find yourself writing and erasing. It will make you feel unconfident and uncomfortable in your space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Reasons for Writer\u2019s Block<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Writer\u2019s block is more common than you think. Every writer faces it at some point, and several reasons lead to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Perfectionism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common reasons for writer\u2019s block is perfectionism. When we strive to make our writing perfect, we can get bogged down in details and lose sight of the big picture. This can be especially true if we compare our work to other writers who seem to have it all together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fear and Self-Doubt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another common cause of writer\u2019s block is fear and self-doubt. We may be afraid that our writing isn\u2019t good enough or that we\u2019ll make a mistake. This can lead us to second-guess ourselves and our ideas, which can, in turn, prevent us from getting started or making progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Burnout<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Burnout is another common reason for writer\u2019s block. When we\u2019re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it can be difficult to muster the motivation to write. This is especially true if writing feels like a chore or if we\u2019re unsure what to say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lack of Ideas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, the problem isn\u2019t that we can\u2019t write. It\u2019s that we don\u2019t have anything to write about. We may also feel we have several ideas about what to write, but they are either blurry or unidentified. This can be incredibly frustrating if we feel like we should be writing but can\u2019t come up with any ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While these are the most common reasons for writer\u2019s block<\/a>, many other reasons lead to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Ways to Overcome Writer\u2019s Block<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No matter how common writer\u2019s block is, it should not stop you from progressing. Here are seven common ways (tried and tested) to overcome your struggles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common pieces of advice for overcoming writer’s block is to get up and move your body simply. Exercise can boost your memory and thinking skills<\/a>. It gets the blood flowing and can help clear your mind, making it easier to focus on the task. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can go for a run or take a yoga class. Even a brisk walk around the block can do wonders for your mental state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don’t have time for a full workout, there are still plenty of exercises that you can do right at your desk. Taking a few minutes to stretch or do some light calisthenics can help to increase your energy and get you out of your head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cut Out Distractions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether it’s social media, email, or even general life stressors, anything that pulls your attention away from your writing can make it challenging to get back on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By eliminating anything that might pull your focus away from your writing, you can give yourself the best chance of getting your ideas down on paper (or screen).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, cutting out distractions isn’t always easy. Here are a few practical tips for doing it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n