Call it Writer’s Block (even though that’s not actually A Thing). Call it Saturday. Call it whatever you want: you just don’t feel like writing today. And it’s awful.

Many will tell you the best thing to do when you don’t feel like working on one particular writing project is to work on a different one—that, or read a book. Maybe someone else’s words will inspire you—right?

Actually, if you don’t feel like writing one thing, it’s not very likely you’ll feel like writing something else. It’s less likely you’ll feel like reading. If your brain isn’t on that track, a similar activity (something else involving words) probably won’t pull it back.

We have tips to help you rest your brain and recharge your creativity, so you can get back to writing sooner rather than later. Are you ready? 

These suggestions might seem counter-productive at first. Just stick with us till the end. You’ll see how all the pieces fit.

1. Watch a Movie or T.V. Show (or Both) 

Whether it’s an oldie on Netflix or a low-budget (but still fantastic) YouTube-exclusive web series (we recommend “Platoon of Power Squadron,” if you need a more specific suggestion), take time to sit down and let your brain relax a little. Especially if you’ve been writing a lot lately and haven’t been giving your mind enough rest.

Careful with this one, though: you could end up watching an entire season of “Friends” long after your motivation has mysteriously returned. (Not that we’re judging. Come on. PoPS. There is no judgment in Nerdfighteria.)

2. Move Away From Your Writing Space

Part of your problem might also be something that is getting harder and harder to recognize as we depend more and more on technology: spending too much time in one spot, staring at a screen. While the above suggestion is helpful, it still involves hours of screen time.

Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself, and your thought process, is to remove yourself from your writing space. No, this doesn’t mean get up from your chair and move to the couch. Sit outside. Go for a walk/run/bike ride/casual stroll. If you need something to do while you’re walking/running/biking/casually strolling, see our third suggestion.

3. Listen to a Podcast

If you want to stimulate your brain in a different way (something other than writing or surfing YouTube), listening to a podcast might be your solution. This is exceptionally helpful if you’re broke and can’t afford any new music (guilty).

Whether it’s educational (fighting the urge to recommend QDT, nope, can’t do it, go subscribe) or simply on a topic you love (or … both), listening to someone else ramble on for a while might be just what you need to get your mind on writing again.

Whatever your method of productive procrastination (this is the one good kind, sniff sniff, we smell another upcoming post), don’t let yourself feel guilty for not writing. No one can write 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That’s why making a living as a writer is, for many but not all, impossible. Our brains need breaks. We need to expose ourselves to other artists’ work. We need to give our ideas time to pull themselves together.

Now, go. Go be a nerd. It’s okay. We approve. We’ll be right here when you’re ready to get back to writing. Promise. Promise.

Image courtesy of Novelty Revisions.