by Ruth Belena

Created on: July 11, 2009   Last Updated: November 09, 2009

Writer's block is closely associated with stress, and the best ideas for overcoming the horrors of writer's block involve relaxation techniques for stress relief. A writer who is blocked is often in a state of fear and anxiety, so any method that will remove tension is helpful.

There are a number of ways to relax and stoop thinking about your writing.

* Enjoy a nice long shower. The flow of water can produce a flow of thoughts and words. After your shower you will certainly feel more refreshed and ready to write.

* Listen to music. Your mind will be stimulated by the rhythms and melodies, or you might hear songs with words that inspire you.

* Have a session of Yoga or Tai Chi. This will help you to become more focused and ready to write.

* Make time for some quiet meditation, so your mind can be emptied of anxiety and become more relaxed. This will help you to think more clearly.

* Light a few candles, or a real log fire if you are in the position to do so, then relax and watch the flames. Some new ideas are sure to comes your way.

* Read a book. Reading will take you to another place, and it can inspire you to return to your own writing.

* Write freely, away from your computer keyboard or writing desk.

Find a cosy comfortable place to sit with a cup of coffee or mug of tea, a pencil and paper. Write anything at all. Write about not knowing what to write about. Write about your frustration, anxiety or depression. What you write does not matter, just doing this will get the words flowing, and you might even think of something you can develop in your writing when you have successfully overcome your writer's block.

* Go out and have a complete change of environment.

You may simply find that ideas flow more freely when you take yourself to a bar or a cafe, where you can sit and watch the world go by. If you have your notepad or a laptop with you, you can start writing then and there.

While you are out , well away from your normal writing environment, you will begin to see things and have experiences that set off your creative thought process. You are more likely to have original ideas when you are not thinking about your writing. Take some paper and a pen or pencil with you, wherever you decide to go, so you can make notes to use when you have overcome your writer's block.

* Exercise.

Exercise is essential to get creativity flowing and an exercise session will reduce feelings of depression or hopelessness. Your brain will be flooded with endorphins that stimulate good feelings, so you will return to your writing desk in a much better mood.

Walking briskly is highly recommended for overcoming writer's block. You can walk regularly to places that will inspire you to write.

* Take inspiration from nature.

Being in a peaceful relaxing place where you are surrounded by natural sights and sounds is an experience that should fill you with awe. Nature and its wonders can kindle the urge to be descriptive and share the experience in writing.

Use any of these stress reducing methods for overcoming writer's block, and you might suddenly know exactly how to express what you are trying to say in your writing, or you will find fully formed ideas arrive unexpectedly in your mind. When you feel some relief from the stress and anxiety, you will start to write.

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