Writer’s block can be the worst nightmare for a creative writer. Your mind might be brimming with ideas, but words just won’t cooperate. Or you simply can’t find the inspiration to bring those thoughts alive.

Worry not. This happens to every writer, big or small. If you too have been struggling with writer’s block, here are five ways you can unlock your creativity and get things back on track.

Carry a journal

Have you ever had a great idea for a story or article but forgot what it was because you didn’t pen it down? Inspiration can hit at the most unexpected times, so always be prepared with a journal at hand to jot down random thoughts and ideas. This will enable you to keep track of all your ideas, which you can later craft into great content. And when you sit down to write, you’ll have a sufficient list of things to write about instead of staring at your keyboard in desperation.

Develop a routine

Humans are essentially creatures of habit; developing and mastering any skill takes time, dedication and loads of practice. So the best way to grow as a writer and create better content is by developing a writing routine. Pick a time during the day that fits your schedule and devote that time to writing. Scientists agree that it takes 21 days of habitually doing something for it to become a habit, so make it a point to sit down for the next 21 days at a certain time and get some great writing done!

Take a break

Taking a break may sound counterproductive, but it really isn’t. All you need is to stop overthinking your content and distract yourself for a while. You see, most of the time the answer or solution is not as complicated as your mind perceives it to be.

If you’re in a writing rut, go for a walk, paint a picture, or even cook a meal. Try to think about other things that make you happy instead of what you’re writing about- and a solution will more often than not, present itself.

Write whatever’s on your mind

Often our brain is overworked and packed with ideas, worries, hopes, aspirations, and so much more. Sometimes these things can clog creativity and cause what we call writer’s block. It is helpful to sit down and put your thoughts on paper, even if nothing makes sense at the moment. Believe it or not, those thoughts will come together and find meaning the next time you look at the paper. Try doing this simple writing exercise for ten minutes a day, and you will be able to produce wonderful content in no time.

Get rid of distractions

Humans are immersed in a pool of infinite distractions. How many hours a day do you peruse your Facebook news feed, check your email, or just surf the net? Nothing can kill a great writing streak like a constant distraction. Try turning off your cell phone and internet connection to make sure that your mind is absolutely interruption-free and see how much quality writing you can get done.

There are many ways to get rid of writer’s block. But the best way is to just start writing and see what pops onto the page!

If you’re planning to write a novel, read these tips to get a kick-start.