“Unlocking the Pen: Surprising Strategies to Write Through Your Darkest Days”
Have you ever sat down to write, only to find that your mind feels like an empty chalkboard? I’ve been there—staring at a blinking cursor, a cup of coffee going cold beside me, wondering if my creativity has fled the scene. It’s a frustrating experience, one that many of us attribute to the dreaded writer’s block. The truth, however, is often deeper. Reflecting on a recent talk by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, it became clear that what’s really at play may be tied to our mental health, not just a temporary lack of inspiration. When stress, anxiety, or burnout come knocking, the words can feel almost impossible to summon. So, how do we navigate these rough patches? If you’ve found yourself in that headspace, fear not! Here are eight practical tips to help you get back to writing, even when the muse seems to be on an extended vacation. Ready to dive in? LEARN MORE.
8 tips to try when you’re not in the headspace to write
A few years ago, I attended a virtual library event featuring Silvia Moreno-Garcia discussing her award-winning novel Mexican Gothic. During the Q&A someone asked about tips to overcome writer’s block. As a common experience for writers, it was an understandable question.
Instead of suggesting techniques to overcome it, Moreno-Garcia explained that the issue isn’t writer’s block but rather a matter of mental health. She recommended checking in with ourselves and engaging in self-care.
As a creative writer and mental health professional, her point wasn’t a revelation, but it made a lot of sense. It reminded me of how my experiences with depression and anxiety have impacted my ability to write, let alone think creatively.
Writing is hard enough. When you’re struggling with your mental health it can feel overwhelming and even impossible to get started or stay motivated. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, burnout, or a trauma response to various stressors, they can decreases our ability to concentrate, and make decisions. When we get caught up in negative thoughts and feelings, how can we ever expect to be present, hopeful, and able to produce our best work?
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