For years, even decades, we’ve linked writing with anxiety. On one side, we say that if you’re feeling anxious, you should write about it. On the other, the terms «writer’s block» or «writing anxiety» can induce fear in writers’ minds.
The fact is that, as any tool we use to express ourselves, writing can help with anxiety. So can painting, music, and other artistic forms, but when we have to write, when it’s our obligation, it can be daunting and intimidating.

Writer’s anxiety is real

The most common way people associate anxiety with writing is through «writer’s block,» or writing anxiety. By the way, before anyone else tells you differently, it exists! So, don’t let anyone tell you that you’re exaggerating.
In short, writer’s block is wanting to write and being unable to do so. It’s so common in writers that I have never met anyone in this neck of the woods (the wordsmith’s woods) who hasn’t gone through it. Moreover, it can even present itself through physical symptoms.
In my case, it comes as a sense of alarm. My heart races when I see the clock and then the blank page; I feel tense and fearful. I won’t be able to write anything. If I do start writing, it will suck. Why did I accept this paper? From there, it becomes a vicious cycle, which can feel never-ending.

How to cope with writer’s block?

It’s no secret that many sources have great advice on how to beat writer’s block. One of my favorites is this article from the American Psychology Association. While older than most, it provides timeless tips. This article won’t list what the APA says, but rather give my twist, plus add some that have worked.

Inspiration never shows up.

Okay, it does, but more often than not, it doesn’t. The reality is that we’re rarely inspired, as we need many factors to be in order. So, it’s best to assume you won’t be constantly inspired.
However, we tend to put off writing because we’re not inspired, and the situation worsens when we feel anxious about it. Moreover, if you draw inspiration from anxiety, you might fall into the «tortured artist» stereotype, which can lead to dangerous behavior.
If we accept that inspiration isn’t always there, we can ease our stress over it. No, no writer out there is perpetually inspired. Chances are they all struggle at one point or another, so let’s not beat ourselves over the fact that we’re not inspired. This leads me directly to the next way to cope with writer’s block.

A writing schedule helps beat writer’s block.

At one point or another, all writers will share one reality: we’ll dedicate time and effort to our craft on the side. At least, we’ll do so until we make enough money out of writing. So, meanwhile, it takes a lot of work to carve out time to write.
To overcome writer’s block, that’s what you need to do. Setting up writing schedules is ideal because it creates responsibility. When I started to schedule my writing, I noticed that the thought alone of having time exclusively for my craft motivated me. What a privilege!
If you want to overcome writer’s block, carving out time won’t be the only thing you need to do. You must push through the block once you’re in that space.

Write even if you have writer’s block.

It sounds strange. I know, but let me explain.
When I was writing my short story collection, there were moments in which I had managed to block out time, but then, nothing happened. I stared at the screen, and no words came out, but I got one of the best bits of writing advice I’ve ever gotten.

«Write what you’re feeling.»

I frequently had writer’s block; it took time to sit down and start typing.
«I’m staring at my screen, typing what I’m thinking because I can’t write.» From then, my mind just started easing into the idea of writing. Before I knew it, I had written long texts about everything and anything my mind wanted to express.
Then, all I had to do was take out the good stuff and repeat the exercise. Granted, it won’t eliminate writer’s block (because there are many causes for it), but if you’re going through it, it will greatly help. Additionally, going back to something I just mentioned, there might be one significant cause for writer’s block that we still need to consider.

Use only a few tabs to help writing anxiety

One cause for writer’s block might not have to do with writing at all, but with tabs in your navigator. One of the most common links between anxiety and writing (or the inability to write) is that we get distracted, especially if we’re writing and researching.
The more tabs we use in our navigator, the worse our distraction will be, so the tougher writer’s block will become. The problem is that we usually require tabs to research. So, what can we do?
Creating research times is one method that helps overcome this distraction. So, just as I had carved out time for writing, I’ve also carved out time for researching and notetaking. I might write a sentence or two, but I won’t focus on the long sessions just yet.
Instead, I will start writing only after I have a clear idea. I’ll punch through the main text, mistakes and all, and then fact-check all I wrote. After all, we humans suck at multitasking, even if we pretend we don’t.
Writing has always been challenging, and writer’s block is more common than we think. However, there are times in which you need to deliver that text, whether you like it or not. So, forget inspiration; it’s time to write.
These tips aren’t perfect, but they’ve helped me overcome writer’s block in the most challenging times. Moreover, the beauty is that they’re repeatable, manageable, and cost-free.
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