How to Beat Writer’s Block (Hope’s Hacks)

Hope’s Hacks 

*About the column: Hope Bolinger provides biweekly tips to help you through that writer’s block slump. As a person who has suffered from severe depression and anxiety for eight years, she knows first-hand what it’s like to not want to roll out of bed and face a blank screen and blinking cursor. Here are some ways she’s learned to beat that writer’s block.* 

This week’s cure: Exercising your mind

What it is: Physical activity tends to stimulate the creative mind that has lounged in one’s skull like a perfect couch potato. Running, walking, or a solid jumping jack can stir even the sleepiest of muses. Yes, it takes time away from the writing. But you’ll have a chance to take a breather (as you’re hyperventilating . . .) and think through your plot or characters. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to give her purple hair. Or maybe you could develop the side character’s back story.

Follow one of the following work outs to wake up your mind:

Work out One: Running in Circles

Set a timer for twenty minutes and write. At the end of twenty minutes, go running or walking for ten minutes. You should complete two reps within an hour. Repeat for as long as necessary.

Work out Two: Core Curriculum

Nothing stimulates the mind like excruciating pain—especially in the abs. Consider this workout.

•        Planks—hold each rep for one minute. If you can’t go that long, try for 45 seconds. Two minutes for a challenge.
•        Pushups—ten is always a good number. But if you’re Charlie Brown, even one works.
•       Sit ups or crunches—thirty for each rep. Have something, such as the bottom of a couch, hold your feet in place.
•        Wall sits—If you can, hold these for one minute. Two minutes for a challenge, 45 seconds for beginners.
•        Repeat.

Work out Three: Weighting for Godot

Those who want a bit more of an upper body workout should grab a pair of fifteens (or full milk cartons) and try this routine:

•        10 bicep curls
•       10 arm extensions—with your hands hanging down, lift your arms outward and toward the ceiling.
•       10 over the head lifts—be careful with this one! Lift each arm above your head, one at a time.
  • Be careful not to drop the weight on your head.
•        10 lunges—make sure to alternate which arm you lift with each lunge.
•       Repeat.

More upbeat tips and tricks can be found at hopebolinger.com