5 activities to fuel your creative writing practice
Have you ever sat down to write and nothing comes to mind? Or you have a vague idea of what to write about but don’t know where to start?
Staring at a blank screen can be overwhelming and incredibly frustrating. I get it, I’ve been there. Many times! Especially when you had a well of ideas and inspiration while washing the dishes or before you drifted off to sleep the night before. But when you’re at your desk, poised to write… nothing.
Stress, anxiety and pressure are not conducive to creativity. That’s why mundane tasks or moving your body can enhance creativity. You distract your brain just enough, to minimise anxiety and perfectionism, and with these at bay, it frees up space for ideas to flow.
Here are 5 activities I’ve found helpful to boost my creativity:
Walking. This is my favourite of all. A walk around the block, fresh air and exposure to nature does wonders for mental blocks. It also has the added benefit of being good for mental wellness. I’ve nutted out plot problems in my novels, found an interesting angle for an article or come up with a fresh idea, simply from moving my body and being out in nature.
Journaling. This is an exercise I often suggest to my coaching clients who want to start writing but are worried they aren’t good enough or have put too much pressure on themselves for their first piece to be perfect. Journaling allows you to write without purpose. Write without the expectation any one else will read it or it will be published. It helps you tap into your voice, find a flow for your writing and discover what it is you have to say. The beauty of journaling (for no one’s eyes but your own) is that you don’t have to worry about grammar or complete sentences or if it makes any sense at all. Just get it on paper and then move on. You may even find you’re in a flow with your writing that you’ll happily move onto your next writing project, feeling relaxed and inspired.
Mindful activities. Bringing conscious awareness to your thoughts and feelings while grounding yourself in the present moment. A simple mindfulness activity is known as grounding. Use your senses to identify one thing you can see, hear, smell, feel and taste. The idea is that it brings you into the now and allows thoughts of the past and future to float away. This type of exercise requires a lot of practice but if you notice yourself feeling overwhelmed when you sit down to write, this mindfulness technique can help you refocus.
Yoga. Movement works well for me. I’ve never been great at meditation but yoga is the next best thing as it keeps me completely in the present moment as I’m focused on the movement and gentle stretches of my body and not what’s going on in my mind. Often, I finish a class and have this wave of ideas come over me. Whether that’s something new to write or figuring out how to improve something I’ve been working on. This happens without even consciously thinking about those ideas during the class. It’s amazing! Bonus: yoga keeps my back and neck happy for all those hours I spend typing on a keyboard.
Your happy place. Is there something you enjoy that’s calming? Something that regulates you and fills up your cup? Try to schedule it into your week and you’ll be sure to reap the benefits next time you sit down to write.
Sometimes the time you spend away from the writing desk is just as powerful for your writing practice as the actual writing. Experiences, looking after our mind and body, and letting go of stress can fuel your creative writing practice for the long haul.
If you would like support with your writing practice; whether it’s accountability, feedback or encouragement, join my monthly coaching sessions (no lock in contract). A person-centred approach designed to meet you where you are at. Fill out the briefing form here.
Want group support and community with like-minded writers? Join the Therapist’s Writing Circle. Register your interest here.
