All writers need a catalyst, something to get the grey matter ticking. The little grain that sets off a stream of thoughts and ideas. We churn them round, add our layers and then, hopefully, end up with a pearl.
During lockdown, these grains can be few and far between. Rather like toilet rolls. Normally plentiful now suddenly scarce. You find yourself actively searching for a spark of inspiration, rather than just choosing from the thousands on offer.
This is not a normal situation. But It Can Be a Great Opportunity
While you may be used to working from home, you’re probably not used to the weird vacuum of lockdown. You can’t go for a walk, you can’t go to the gym and there’s just a general lack of drive anywhere. The world itself feels almost comatose.
This is not a normal situation. It’s easy to succumb to this malaise and just doss around. On the other hand though with a little impetus, it can be a great opportunity to try new things.
3 EASY ways to spark inspiration
Here are 3 easy ways to break your writer’s block and spark inspiration, while also making the most of this unique situation:
1. Call an old friend
Someone you don’t speak to often. Chances are that they’ll be stuck at home and will really appreciate you calling. Use lockdown as the perfect reason to call them. As much as you love your close friends, you all tend to have very similar conversations. You know what is going on in their life. Speaking to someone else will be different, a new perspective, maybe just a turn of phrase, but it could be the spark you’re looking for.
2. Read something different.
A lot of us, myself included, are very set in our ways. We read certain authors, blogs or genres. While it may be comforting in these strange times, it won’t s wake up your brain like some left-field content. This is a once in a lifetime chance to change things up. You have more time than ever to just pick up and read something brand new. If you’re stuck for ideas, try Hemingway. He’s very economical with words and easy to read.
3. Cook a new recipe.
Cooking might seem a little random, but it’s a great way to break a writer’s block. To start with you are focusing on instructions, not dwelling on your inability to write. You’re also keeping track of timings, the sequence and measurements. All of these are great mental distractions. Cooking has all sorts of smells, sounds and tastes that are great sensory triggers too. Evoking memories, sparking ideas.
Break Your Writer’s Block and Try to Enjoy Lockdown
Here’s a funny thing about writing. Your final content often bears no resemblance to your initial idea. Often you’ll go off at a tangent, multiple tangents, and end up somewhere completely unexpected. But you still need that grain of sand.
If you’re struggling to write productively during lockdown, take a break and do something different, try one of the 3 ways above. Use the extra time, stop stressing about words and let them come to you. There’s no point fighting against this crazy situation, just embrace it. You might find the spark of inspiration you need