Six effective techniques to overcome writer’s block and boost creativity

As writers, we often face a dilemma: we need to keep writing, but sometimes our creativity runs dry. That’s when taking a break isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. But not all breaks are created equal.

In this blog, we’ll explore six practical ways to take restorative breaks. These aren’t random diversions, but strategic pauses designed to refresh your mind, replenish your energy, and reignite your creative spark.

Whether you’re battling writer’s block or simply need a fresh perspective, these techniques can help you return to your work with renewed vigour. They’ll help you make the most of your down time, so you can make the most of your writing time.

Here are six practical ways to take restorative breaks

1. Physical activity: Exercise is a powerful tool to replenish your energy levels. Activities like walking, yoga, kayaking (me) or a swim (Jo-Anne) can boost endorphins and improve mood, making it easier to return to writing with renewed energy and focus.
2. Change of environment: Sometimes, simply changing the scenery can stimulate creativity. Visiting a park, a coffee shop, or even a different room in the house can provide a fresh perspective.
3. Switch to a different creative activity: Another kind of creativity, like drawing, knitting (Jo-Anne), or cooking (me), can refresh the mind. These activities use different parts of the brain and can reignite the creative impulse.
4. Meditation: Meditation can help clear the mind of clutter and reduce stress. Even a few minutes of deep breathing or meditation can create a sense of calm and focus.
5. Interaction with other humans: Spending time with friends or family can provide emotional support and a mental break from solitary writing. Conversations and social activities can stimulate new ideas and provide different viewpoints.
6. Reading for pleasure: Reading something unrelated to your current project can be both relaxing and inspiring. (I’m indulging in a little energetic horror by Chuck Wendig at the moment for precisely this reason.) It allows the mind to explore new ideas and writing styles, which can indirectly benefit one’s own writing.

I hope after taking your restorative break, you’ll find you return to your work with renewed enthusiasm and clarity. The time away allows you to view your writing with fresh eyes, making it easier to identify strengths and areas for improvement. You may also discover that the ideas and solutions you were struggling to find come more naturally.

Want to know where the idea of restorative breaks came from?

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Happy writing!

Richard