10 Offline Ways To Get Yourself Out of a Mindblock
October 13, 2011 
45 Comments
We’ve all been there. You haven’t posted to your blog in a week and a half and you can’t think of anything to write about. You’ve already said everything there is to say about whatever niche you’re in, and who cares anyway, nobody’s listening, it’s just you and the crickets and the crickets aren’t even interested so why bother?!
Whoa! Hold on there, partner. There’s nothing wrong with you or your blog. You’re just feeling worthless and depressed because you’re suffering from writer’s block and you can’t think of any new ideas for your blog. You need to get away from that computer for a little while and follow these 10 offline tips to get yourself out of that mindblock.
- Change location: If you’ve been spending your time cooped up in your little office in the broom closet, it’s time to get out and move around. Go outside and get some sun, listen to the birds, and watch the grass grow. Head out to your local coffee shop and gab with some of the locals. A little Nature, a little conversation, and you’ll soon be back in the writing mood. And you’ll probably have plenty of ideas now, too.
- Change your office: Spend an afternoon cleaning and rearranging your office. Get rid of dust and cobwebs. Run the vacuum and get rid of all the dog hair. Organize your office supplies so you can actually find those paperclips and put out some plants and candles. You might even consider getting a book an Feng Shui before you get started. Who knows? Maybe all you really need to do is point your desk toward the window.
- Do something else for 30 minutes: Stop thinking about writer’s block and do something completely unrelated for 30 minutes. Put a load of laundry in the washer, do the breakfast dishes and sweep the kitchen floor, go pull weeds in your garden, phone a friend or put on some music and dance. Whatever you choose to do, do it for 30 minutes and give your poor brain a rest. Brains get tired, too, ya know?
- Read a magazine: You probably think I’m telling you to read a magazine because it’s a relaxing activity, but you’re wrong. Every time I read a magazine I come up with at least 5 new ideas for my blog. Try it yourself and see! Don’t think about your blog while you’re reading. Just read and let the writing muse come to you.
- Take a walk: Yeah, now I’m telling you to take a walk because it’s relaxing. The fresh air and exercise will do you good. And all that extra huffing and puffing will help pull more oxygen into your brain so maybe, just maybe, you can come up with a good idea for your blog.
- Volunteer: Can’t think of anything to write about? Go volunteer somewhere and keep your eyes open. You’ll find plenty to write about at the local animal shelter. Think of all the cute puppy stories you’ll come up with. If your blog isn’t about dogs you can volunteer at the library, the hospital, the schools in your area, shelters, museums, and dozens of other places all over town.
- Count your blessings: Sit down and count your blessings and you’ll soon be rid of those feelings of depression and worthlessness. A calmer, happier mind generates better writing ideas. At the very least you can now blog about your blessings.
- Change your routine: If you’re an early riser, sleep late. If you go to bed at 9, try working through the night. If you drink water all day, try coffee. If you eat lunch at noon sharp, skip it. Do something different to shake up your routine. Who knows? You might enjoy being a night owl.
- Get dressed up for work: Wearing your jammies to work can really have an effect on productivity. In fact, one of the reasons school uniforms are so popular these days is because grades actually improve when students dress well. Try putting on a suit and tie before you sit down to your computer and see how much more you accomplish.
- Use a pencil and paper: This is one of my favorite ways to get yourself out of a mindblock because it’s so simple. Try using an actual pencil and a piece of paper. Let your mind wander. Scribble, doodle, sketch, jot down titles, whatever works best for you. But sometimes, just holding that pencil in your hand gets those creative juices flowing again.
Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono.
This post was written by Sté Kerwer, the guy behind Dukeo.com. He blogs about affiliate marketing, making money online, better blogging, email marketing, SEO, mindset for success, WordPress and a lot more. To read more about Sté you can either grab his RSS feed or follow him on Twitter @dukeo.
Actually, reading helps me get out of the mindblock most of the time.
Great tips, I recently read something that described how we are at our most creative at night and our least in the afternoon. I find exercising and taking a break is the best way of eliminating mindblock.
Great ideas. I think you wrote that first graph directly to me!
Write me too!
This is what I think as well! Just what I needed to read now. My favorite technique is to do something else altogether. The best thing is to exercise for me.
Janice recently posted..Brain Supplements – Remember Better, Think Clearer, and Focus Faster
Stop thinking about writer’s block and do something completely unrelated for 30 minutes. Dating in Leeds
Thank you Sté for these great ideas! I also like going on walks and visiting countryside. This is my way to clear my mind after a long day of work or a difficult week; it is a way to refill it with wonderful pictures, with my desires and wants. Thanks Sté. This was one of the most helpful posts I’ve read lately, with a great discussion.
Nick recently posted..Sierra Trading Post Coupon and Review
changing location is really good idea ….. i must follow it
Great! the one thing to definitely not do it give up or settle for sub-standard writing as it will do you a great deal of damage in the long run
Great ideas! Will have to put this into action
Pete Goumas recently posted..Tony Little Review
Every person has a secret creative genius inside. Being creative is all about shedding inhibitions and seeking the lovely inner-voice which is ubiquitous to all human beings (whether they can sing or not. The analogy holds true whether writing copy, painting pictures, sculpting marble, programming C#, crafting Cabernet, or making love. Sing at the top of your lungs! Be wrong! Make you point, be linear and non-linear at the same time, free yourself from the shackles of the self-imposed lead box. Celebrating our indigenous creativity is the ultimate act of getting over ourselves and offers the best chance to leave something behind that survives; an idea, a thought, a poem, a child, a song… A very famous musician pal once told me that his critical and creative successes came when he finally stopped trying to create music “like everyone else.” The secret, he whispered, is in creating art that can ONLY come from you. Then, right or wrong, you have found your voice.
cash advance recently posted..Major Mortgage Lenders Halt Foreclosures For Holiday Season
your post is quite entertaining as well as it’s really full of great ideas. thanks for sharing! this is really helpful.
Sarah recently posted..Black Mould Remediation
Spending time to relax is one of the best way to eliminate mentalblock or mindblock. In this way, a writer could actually refresh his/her mind to make it more functional. Or there are times that a writer be able to think new ideas that he or she can make use of.
Michael recently posted..Kenmore Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave & Pizza Oven Review
Reading magazines or books is one of the most effective ones for me.
As I read and catch an interesting topic that I’d love to write or research more on – I jot it down. Then after I’m done and if still not satisfied, I think about other topics directly or indirectly (but relevant) to the ones I’ve written already – forming associations between them (and coming up with even more topics) with a mindmap. Brainstorming this way is something I love a LOT!
Anish recently posted..Anti-Snoring Devices
Unfortunately I cant change my location for the moment but I like the option J because that’s what I do I draw complicated stuff I scribble sometimes I play with the pen till I feel better
Thanks for the tips Dukeo
Salah Messaoud recently posted..How To Encourage Readers to Comment
What keeps my mind clear is having a full stomach throughout the day. Working online can be stressful and often you won’t even notice when you’re hungry and getting cranky. Also what helps a lot is that fresh feeling after a long workout plus gym is a good place where to think your thoughts clear.
Michael
Michael recently posted..Sanyo EM-U1000B .7-Cubic-Foot Compact Microwave Oven, Black
Some great ideas in your list, will certainly give them a try. Good idea too to help others thereby helping yourself at the same time.
Apple recently posted..Arizona Gets Inside Information on the 12 Myths of Bankruptcy – Myths 1-3
I can’t really think too long or hard about stuff, I hate it because I feel like my creativity has been stifled because I can’t really imagine and brainstorm and my grades are kind of going down.
Fortunato recently posted..Authentic Murano Glass Drinkware
What works for me is taking my German shepherd, Mischief, for a walk. While she’s enjoying herself I clear my head and surprisingly come up with some of my best ideas. What I also do is keep a small notebook and pen handy to jot down ideas because if I don’t they’ll be gone by the time I get back. Some great ideas in your list, will certainly give them a try. Good idea too to help others thereby helping yourself at the same time.
Peter recently posted..Black and Decker SPCM1936
Hi Ste,
Nice list you have there. This list is even more important for people who are self employed. There are often no employees around to unwind or share ideas with making it even harder for you.
I think going for a beer with friends is also a great way to get out of a mindblock.
Nik
Nik recently posted..Do I really need a career coach?
One of the ways I think is to get yourself out of a regular routine everyday whether your working online or offline. Sometimes you can get into a rut. Do something different at lunch time such as volunteer at a shelter. You would be surprised how it change your perspective on everything you do in your life.
Jeff Casmer recently posted..Starting Up A Web Based Business: Read On To Discover Precisely How Simple It Is
I can’t really imagine and brainstorm and my grades are kind of going down.Thanks for sharing this great idea..
nicole recently posted..movers in Bethesda MD
This post is awesome..i’ve been reading tons of crap posts from other blogs, but shows you have a more educated reader base.
I’ve been feeling like I can’t really think too long or hard about stuff, I hate it because I feel like my creativity has been stifled because I can’t really imagine and brainstorm and my grades are kind of going down. When I receive projects I end up turning them in quite late and freaking out about what to write. How do I deal with this?
Thanks for the ideas!
I always find that taking a walk (E) and dressing up well (I) work, but not together too well!
Over and above all else though, I always find that doing a short burst of excercise works really well and focuses the mind back on topic…
i should say those are pretty good ideas. in one whole day off i spend time with my friends, just chilling before we do our everyday routine which is yoga, then have a cup of coffee or two then go straight for a body spa.
Ruby recently posted..Trying To Get Pregnant Tips
There are a few superb advice here for beating that block. I’d also add some preventative medicine for future blocks. You’d an xcellent tips! Venturing out for an exercise really refreshes our mind, body, and spirit.
Eva recently posted..How to Make Him Fall in Love With You
Excellent tips! Going out for an exercise really refreshes our mind, body, and spirit. The feeling is so nice and the stress and pressures are all gone away. Great way to get ourselves out of a mindblock indeed.
Extreme John recently posted..Business Blitz: Questions to Answer Before You Write a Business Plan
Some great tips here for beating that block. I would also add some preventative medicine for future blocks.
Keep an idea book.
I keep a b ook with me at all times. If I think of an idea in the grocery store I jot it down.
Because of this I have an idea book with literally hundreds of ideas. Can’t think of something…look at the book and get inspiration.
Steve Scott recently posted..7 Questions about Niche Income Sites [Niche Affiliate Income #1]
I chill out on a coffee shop, spend time with my friends without speaking of work. My relaxing way or to keep myself from stress is to have a whole body massage.
This post reminds me of my first encounter with one of my most respected local authors. I asked him how he keeps writer’s block off him and he told me, “There’s no such thing. All you gotta do is walk around either in your own heart or to see other people.” So true. I became more productive since then
Actually, reading helps me get out of the mindblock most of the time. I find that when I read other blogs in my niche, I find myself automatically agreeing or disagreeing with the articles. That internal discourse can easily and automaticaly become the topic of my next blog post.
Richard recently posted..Making Money Online: Distractions to Avoid
I find that if I start writing a blog post about something totally unrelated, then usually something pops into my head. You can always erase what you have already written.
Thanks for the list and I will try some of those next time. Maybe all but the makeup!!
Eric recently posted..Fish Oil Pills for Acne
Hi Ste,
Very interesting and thorough post. When I have one of those slow to get with it days, I immediately dress up, put on make-up, fix my hair and start work that way. It is amazing how much better you feel and that old professionalism pops in and you can ‘do anything!’ Thanks for sharing, I’m going to try each one.
Ann recently posted..Is Debt Settlement A Good Idea
These are all great tips… If I am in that situation, I get my pocketbook and read for a while… Have a cup of coffee and relax. And when I get back to work, I am again fully functional. Coffee is my best friend especially when I’m in mind block mode. Thank you for sharing.
Kisha recently posted..Long Winter Dog Walks
usually, when im totally mindblocked, i make a cup of coffee and i make a phone call with my girlfriend. it refreshes my mind always, to have a break and chat about girly gossips and tv-series. after that, i can work better and more.
Klara recently posted..Ohrenkorrektion: die Behandlung
Go do something else. Experience is the best teacher and it also can open your eyes to new insights and ideas for writing. Make a list of things you have never done before and do them one by one. Go to certain places in your neighborhood or in the city that you have never been into. Any place. Like a restaurant or a store. New experiences will give you fresh material to write about.
reese recently posted..Build an Emergency Fund
Your ideas are right on target! Writer’s block can really hold you back, and a way that I have found to combat it is to keep an idea notebook with me at all times. When an idea comes to me, or I see something that inspires me, I jot it down so I won’t forget. This way, I always have a source to pull from, and like you said, getting out of your environment helps. Going to the bookstore and scanning magazine and book titles help me with ideas as well. Thanks for the article.
Monica recently posted..Avoiding Foreclosure: Steps to Take When You Miss a Payment
Thanks, great post and I’m in total agreement, all these things work wonder!
I usually repair to the kitchen and start cooking, playing around with recipes, trying things out…actually today I just discovered that eggplants and mushrooms go together in the most unexpected way! It was delicious and I immediately wrote it up in…my cooking blog(!! Yes, I’ve got 3 blogs, one for cooking, one for my short stories and one for everything else…)
So I guess writer’s block (or is it blog? Haha) isn’t something that happens to me precisely because…I do everything you say one should!
Thanks again for great tips!
Claude Nougat recently posted..WHY ITALY IS IN A MESS
Twitter: reneepawlish
October 14, 2011 at 10:46 AM
Nice information, thanks!
This is a great tips!I can use this for myself specially when i am bore..Thank you for sharing this great idea..Looking forward to see more inspiring post..
ashley recently posted..cashiers north carolina homes
If we run out of ideas, Better relax and do some worthwhile things. Don’t push yourself too hard. Brilliant Ideas flow spontaneously, it goes with the Heart.
Lyka Ricks recently posted..Why do Opposites Attract in Relationships?
People who have difficulty in coming up with the right ideas when it comes to work should probably be aware of this. For me, the information that you have shared here is very essential for me. this will help me come up with a relevant and effective output. Thanks a lot for the great tips that you have given and shared to us.
Liane Markus recently posted..קייטרינג אירועים קטנים
Hey thank you Satrap! Taking a walk outside with your dog is a great idea because it forces you to go outside and leave the computer. That’s one of the best things to do when your stuck.
Michelle, absolutely! I knew you would read this post so I wrote it just for you
Great tips Sté. I can use all of them as I battle with sever depression and I do come across mind blocks way too often.
One thing I have started doing is taking my dog for a walk. It works every time. Somehow it clears my mind and when i get back, I feel so energized and almost like a white piece of paper ready to be written on!
Satrap recently posted..Earn Money Online Without Investment
Great ideas. I think you wrote that first graph directly to me!
Michele DeFilippo recently posted..Why Book Publishers Need a Corporate Image