While some people enjoy writing, many find it difficult to jot down a single compelling line. However, you cannot escape it if you are a college student. Whether you are writing an essay, an assignment or working on a research paper, you must do some writing. You may love writing, or you could loathe it from the depth of your heart, but write you must. After all, your grades depend on how well you can put your ideas and research into writing.
You are working on an assignment. You started just fine and were working on it, but now you’re sitting there in front of your laptop with a blank mind. You try to work on an essay on another subject. But you still can’t write. What you have written looks like gibberish. It will not get you good grades, let alone make you pass the class.
This is called writer’s block, and it is more common than you think. Many college students, otherwise great writers, often find themselves in the ugly clutches of writer’s block. Nothing inspires them to write, and they think about quitting. However, quitting is not an option, especially in college.
Fortunately, there are some ways to overcome writer’s block. These tips will make it a little easier for you to move past this rough time and start writing again.
1. Redo Your Workspace
Is there a designated area in your room or house where you sit down to study or work? If yes, try to revamp the space a little bit. It doesn’t matter where the place is; make it a place that makes you happy. Declutter the space, add some colours and put aside all the unnecessary items hogging the space. You can add some fresh flowers or pictures of the things and people that inspire you.
Also, identify the time you are most productive. Don’t try to write something in the morning if you are not a morning person. It will only frustrate you, and you will fall deeper into writer’s block. Instead, try to write during the time you feel most productive. Reduce noise and keep the temperature comfortable. Try writing with some soothing music on. It may help you relax and write better.
2. Follow the Pomodoro Technique
According to the Pomodoro technique, people are most productive during 25-minute blocks. If you are struggling with writing, you can try following the Pomodoro technique. Set a time to 25 minutes and start writing. Don’t let anything interrupt you during this time. Switch off your phone, don’t reply to texts or emails, and your coffee can wait too. Make it a point to sit and work through these 25 minutes. Once the timer rings, get up and take a break.
3. Make a Schedule and Stick to it
Sitting down and working is the easiest way to overcome writer’s block. Don’t just think too much about it. Experts also suggest making a routine and then sticking to it. Plan a time and make it a point to sit and write at this time every day. You can also decide on other goals like writing 1 page each day. These things may sound brutal and silly, but they are important to overcome writer’s block. You don’t necessarily need to write your best piece of work during this time, but show up. Things will get better, slowly but surely.
4. Spend Time Reading
You have tried everything but cannot just make yourself sit and write? Many experts suggest reading if you are facing writer’s block. But college life is tough, and one hardly gets time to do anything but study or complete assignments and prepare for tests. If you have too much on your plate, consider getting expert essay help. What did you say? Who would write my essay in UK? Well, UK Essay Writers will! Let them help you with your essay and spend your spare time reading.
A lot of writers take inspiration from their favorite writers. Reading for just 10 minutes before you start writing can greatly improve your work. It sets the right mindset for writing, and you will notice an improvement in your writing skills.
5. Don’t Be Afraid of Making Mistakes
High expectations from the very first draft will always make you anxious. You will surely suffer from writing paralysis. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes when you are writing. When creating your first draft, stop thinking too much about grammar, spelling, or sentence structure. Just sit down and start writing.
Another tip (which many editors won’t like) is to use filler words. Use phrases like ‘it is imperative that’ or ‘due to the fact’ when writing your first draft. These phrases can help you get the ideas you are searching for. Then, you can edit and make changes later when you are finalizing your work.
6. Give It Time
Different people deal with writer’s block differently. Some people like to face it head-on, while others like to sleep on it and give it some time. There is nothing wrong with taking the latter approach. If you think you are overworked and cannot give in your 100% on something, leave it for some time. Sleep on it, head out with your friends or go out for a walk. Just don’t pressure yourself into writing something when you are not in the mood and the mental state to do it. A good night’s sleep may work wonders for your writing. Besides, who knows, you might end up completing a piece you have been struggling with for weeks.
The bottom line is, pressuring yourself into writing is not the right way to overcome writer’s block. It might seem appropriate at first but will not do you any good. Instead, give yourself time to relax and clear your head and workspace of any clutter. You will write better with a fresher mind and a new perspective.
So, brew some coffee, call an old friend, and spend time doing something which makes you feel good. Brainstorm ideas and create bullet points. Put on relaxing music and read some inspiring quotes, books or poetry to help you get started.
The possibilities are endless when you are trying to overcome writer’s block. You need to get into momentum. It will be easier to work fast once you are headed in the right direction. And, before you will know it, your writer’s block will be gone. You may not even notice it until you have finished your piece of writing. Both amateur and professional writers face blocks. However, one gets paralyzed by it while the other pushes through it and achieves their goals.
