Last updated: January 2026
In this article: Relax Your Mind | Work on Something Else | Make an Outline | Talk It Out | Use a Writing App | Change Your Environment | Force Yourself to Write | FAQs
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Nothing is more terrifying to writers than writer’s block—especially when you’re on a deadline. It’s always hardest to find the right words when you need them the most.
The good news: if you’re currently stuck (or suspect you will be sometime soon), these seven techniques can help you break through. You’ll make your deadline—and the next one, and the one after that.
1. Relax Your Mind (Yes, That Includes a Glass of Wine)
When you’re struggling to find the right words—or any words at all—relaxation might be exactly what you need.
Research shows that humans are more creative when we’re relaxed. A study from the University of Illinois at Chicago found that people are 30% more likely to find unexpected solutions when their inhibitions are lowered. A separate experiment pitted two groups of ad executives against each other—one drinking water, the other drinking alcohol. The relaxed group produced four out of the five best ideas, as judged by an independent panel.
Whether you choose wine, a warm bath, meditation, or a short nap, the goal is the same: quiet your inner critic so the ideas can flow. Just remember Hemingway’s advice: write relaxed, edit sharp.
2. Work on Something Else
Not feeling your current topic? Give your brain a change of pace by working on something completely different.
This technique is especially helpful if you’ve got another piece you’re eager to write. Maybe you’re in the middle of an article for work, but can’t stop thinking about an essay for your personal blog. Give yourself permission to write the essay first. Once it’s out of your system, you’ll find it much easier to tackle the original assignment.
If you’re just plain stuck, turn to a more practical project: send emails, organize your files, go for a walk, or even clean. After a break, you’ll return recharged and ready to write.
3. Make an Outline
Figuring out the direction of your piece as you write often leads to dead ends. When you’re struggling to figure out where to go next, take a step back.
First, outline the sections you’ve already written. Then think about what would logically follow. Seeing your structure on paper often reveals the obvious next step.
If you’re still stuck, describe what you have so far to a friend or editor and ask what they’d expect to read next. An outside perspective can quickly clarify your path forward.
4. Talk It Out
If writing were as easy as speaking, everyone would do it. But here’s a trick: turn on your voice recorder and pretend you’re explaining your piece to a friend.
Describe your premise, your main points, and the details you want to include. Speaking aloud engages different parts of your brain, and you’ll typically generate a few new ideas in the process. Transcribe the best parts, and you’re back in business.
No friend available? Talk to yourself, your pet, or even record a voice memo on your phone.
5. Use a Distraction-Free Writing App
Many writers struggle because they edit as they write, tweaking the same sentence over and over. When you can’t get in the zone, try switching to a focused writing app.
Minimalist options:
- iA Writer — Clean, distraction-free interface for focused writing
- Google Docs in full-screen mode — Simple and accessible
- Your phone’s Notes app — Sometimes the simplest tool works best
More intense options:
- Freewriting timers — Set a 10-minute timer and write without stopping, no matter what comes out
- Word count goals — Commit to writing 500 words before you’re allowed to edit anything
The key is removing the temptation to edit before you’ve finished drafting.
6. Change Your Environment
A new setting can work wonders for creativity. If you’re at home, grab your laptop and head to a coffee shop, library, or coworking space. Research shows that spending time in nature has a significant positive impact on creative thinking.
You can also switch mediums. If you’re typing on a computer, try writing longhand in a notebook. The physical act of handwriting engages your brain differently and can help unlock new ideas.
Even something as simple as opening a fresh document can help. A blank page sometimes feels less intimidating than a half-finished draft you’ve been staring at for hours.
7. Force Yourself to Write (Badly)
Sometimes you try every technique in the book—and you’re still stuck. In these situations, the best solution is to sit down and force yourself to write. Give yourself explicit permission to write badly.
Your only goal is quantity, not quality. Don’t worry about word choice, structure, or whether any of it makes sense. Just keep your fingers moving.
Most of what you write in the first few minutes probably won’t be usable. But most writers find their rhythm somewhere in the middle. Once you’ve broken through the block, you can go back and delete or revise the rough parts.
Remember: a bad first draft is infinitely better than a blank page.
Need a change of pace? Browse freelance writing jobs on Mediabistro.
FAQs About Writer’s Block
What causes writer’s block?
Writer’s block is typically caused by perfectionism, fear of failure, burnout, a lack of clarity about what to write, or external pressure, such as tight deadlines. Sometimes it’s simply mental fatigue—your brain needs rest before it can produce creative work again.
How long does writer’s block last?
Writer’s block can last anywhere from a few minutes to several months, depending on the underlying cause. For most deadline-driven blocks, the techniques above can help you break through within an hour or two. Chronic writer’s block may require addressing deeper issues like burnout or anxiety.
Is writer’s block real?
Yes, writer’s block is real—though some argue it’s better described as creative resistance or fear. Whatever you call it, the experience of being unable to write despite wanting or needing to is well-documented among writers of all levels.
How do professional writers overcome writer’s block?
Professional writers use many techniques: setting daily word count goals, writing at the same time each day, using outlines, allowing themselves to write bad first drafts, changing environments, and taking breaks to recharge. Many also rely on deadlines (external or self-imposed) to push through resistance.
Should you push through writer’s block or take a break?
Both strategies work depending on the situation. If you have a deadline, forcing yourself to write (even badly) is often necessary. If you have time, stepping away to rest, exercise, or work on something else can help you return refreshed with new ideas.
Can changing your environment help with writer’s block?
Yes. Research shows that new environments—especially natural settings—can boost creativity. Even small changes like moving to a different room, going to a coffee shop, or switching from typing to handwriting can help break a creative block.
