Take an Active Break
You probably don’t need another reminder to get moving at this time of year. Nonetheless, I’m going to chat about it! I’ve found that when I step away from my desk and take an active break – usually in the form of a walk – it’s one of the best things I can do to keep my creativity flowing.
When I’m stuck on a storyboard or at an impasse with a draft, a walk will often work wonders. The dreaming and brainstorming phase is also a great time for a walk. I love letting new ideas flow as I put one foot in front of the other. For me, switching to a passive activity (watching a show, scrolling, etc.) while sometimes a welcome change of pace doesn’t have the same impact. But when the shoes are on, the wheels begin to turn!
Sometimes I think about the problem that’s tripping me up as I stroll. At other times, I think of anything but my story and simply focus on the sights, sounds and textures around me.
More often than not, when I return from my walk, even if I don’t have a specific solution (although this sometimes happens), I find that I have renewed energy or the ability to pick up a different story thread and keep going.
What is it about taking a little walk? Is it a signal to our stuck brain that movement and progress is possible? Is it maybe the change of scenery that reenergizes us and gives us a new perspective?
Maybe something more much more complex is going on. Perhaps our walking, not-at-the-desk body hands over the creative reins to our subconscious, letting the conscious mind relax and take the “breath” it needs to keep going. (Or something like that!)
I don’t have the scientific answers. But I do know that a walking break is a tool that I will always turn to when I’m feeling stuck. (If the weather outside is frightful, moving around my space indoors has helped, too – even doing the dishes! 🙂 )
If you haven’t tried it or forgotten about this tactic, the next time you need to shake off the cobwebs and get the creative cogs turning, remember to move.
You can do this, writers!
Karin 🙂
For more tips and reflections on the writing process, please take a look at my award-winning book The One Week Writing Workshop: 7 Days to Spark, Boost or Revive Your Novel.
