Q. How do I deal with writer's block?

The first thing to bear in mind is that writer's block is a common problem with causes that everyone deals with at some point, such as boredom, depression, and stress; therefore, it's important to remember you are not alone in this struggle! Also, because it can have many different causes, no one solution is guaranteed to work for everyone, so it's best to try a variety of them until you find what works best for you. The following are a few suggestions that could help:

• Remove all distractions that you possibly can. Consider removing all access to the internet, social media, or other forms of communication, or whatever you may need to do to keep your focus. A suitable work environment that is free of temptations and actively encourages your creativity helps with this greatly.
• Consider taking a break. Though this might feel counterintuitive, a break is often the very thing a person needs since pressuring yourself to come up with something on the spot can stunt creativity. Quite often, when you take the pressure off, an unexpected bit of inspiration strikes!
  • Furthermore, possibly try changing up your routine by doing something different from your norm, like taking a walk in a new place, or try briefly engaging in some exercise.
  • Also think about talking out your problem with a friend. It's surprising how often a second perspective can really help you find a new angle of approach to your problem, and in addition, talking an idea out sometimes comes more naturally than trying to type or write it.
• Force yourself to write something, even if it's just saying how frustrated you are and how much you hate the situation you're in. In fact, even if it has nothing to do with your assignment, the act of writing can be therapeutic, help you build momentum, and perhaps arrive at a new discovery.