Life impacts writing and blogging. It just does. But there are ways to remain inspired and motivated to write and blog no matter what is going on in your life or the world. In today’s post, Beth Bauer (@JourneyofBethB), freelance writer, travel blogger, yoga instructor, and entrepreneur, offers some powerfully effective ways to get yourself out of the doldrums and feel eager to write and blog again.
There’s a new pandemic currently sweeping through the blogging community. It’s not COVID-19; it’s blogger’s or writer’s block. Feeling inspired to create a post when, every time you turn on the television or scroll through social media you are confronted with negativity, division, and fear, can feel difficult. So, how do you find inspiration to blog during uninspirational times?
Spend Time in Nature
Have you ever noticed how good you feel when you’re out in nature? Those giant trees looming overhead have a way of making your problems feel just a bit smaller. The crash of ocean waves slowly washes away anxiety, and the birds singly sweetly help to put a little more spring in your step.
It’s not your imagination. Some recent studies show that the regular practice of grounding, sometimes called earthing, can reduce pain and fatigue, increase your energy, and connect you with the Earth. Improved feelings of well-being then allow you to connect with your creative side.
So, if you’re feeling uninspired, head out for a long hike, day of kayaking, or take off your shoes and wiggle your toes in the grass or sand.
Talk with Friends
We may be physically distancing right now due to COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pick up the phone and call your bestie. It’s not only a great way to talk through some of the things on your mind, but it could spark a new idea or blog topic. It’s healthy to share your struggles with someone you love that can offer you support and encouragement.
Today, you have many ways to stay connected to your friends. You can use Zoom, Facetime, or Snap Chat. The phone works well, too. As the famous At&T ad said, “Reach out and touch someone.” And don’t forget letters; writing one might be the perfect way to break your blogger’s block.
Listen to Podcasts
In today’s digital age, it’s easy to find inspiration. Just download a podcast app, and start listening to some of the thousands of free podcasts available. Do a keyword search like “positivity” or “mindfulness” and see what comes up. You can even look for writing podcasts.
Then, scroll through your options and find one that resonates with you. Don’t like it? No worries; move on to the next. Eventually, you’re bound to find a podcaster that provides some words of inspiration, motivation, or new ideas that you can apply to your next blog post.
Read a Thought-provoking Book
Just as there are thousands of inspirational podcasts, there are even more inspirational books and e-books just a few clicks away. Long gone are the days where we had to physically drive to a library or bookstore to get a good book. Kindle and other book reading apps offer thousands of titles on any topic you can imagine. And it’s easy to order physical books online and have them in your hands in just a few days.
Books are a great way to forget about your current problems and get entertained or educated. A few hours of reading can do wonder for the spirit—and generate tons of great blog post ideas.
Re-Read Your Own Journal and Past Blog Posts
If you’re still looking for a new blog post topic, re-read your journal entries and past blog posts. It’s fascinating to see how far you’ve come and how you’ve overcome past hurdles.
Remember that big fight with your mom or when you were fired? Recall when you felt like your whole world was collapsing, but it didn’t? You’re still here! It is good to be reminded of your past challenges, personal power, and successes. Re-read prior writing also helps you see how far you’ve come.
Plus, something you wrote about in the past might currently be relevant and a good topic for your next blog post. Take that topic deeper or in a new direction based on your current state or knowledge base.
Watch an Inspirational Movie
When was the last time you watched an inspirational movie? Did you lose yourself in it, or were you scrolling through your email or social media feed during the slower moments?
Find a motivational film to watch, and turn your phone off while you watch. Be engrossed entirely in the creation.
Re-watch Rocky, Rudy, or Jerry Maguire, or find a newer movie. There are hundreds of great inspirational films available. In fact, Gaia.com is like Netflix for personal growth junkies. Check it out! It’s loaded with inspiration short documentaries.
We all go through low points when we feel uninspired and unmotivated. And often, our outside environment, situations, or world events impact our ability to write. Fortunately, this too will pass. Plus, there are numerous great places to find writing inspiration.
Remember the old computer geek saying, “Garbage in, garbage out.” If you want to feel inspired and motivated to write and publish your blog posts, fill your mind with positive messages. And avoid the news and social media as much as possible. Before long, you’ll be writing and blogging as if all was well in the world.
What do you do to move through blogger’s or writer’s block? Tell me in a comment—and please share this post with another blogger.
About the Author
Beth Bauer is a freelance writer, travel blogger, yoga instructor, and entrepreneur currently working on her third novel. She has traveled to over 20 countries in just the last two years and enjoys life as a digital nomad. She is originally from the Pacific Northwest of the U.S.A., and when she’s home lives on the Long Beach Peninsula with her dog, Ozzie.
Photo courtesy of Aleksandr Davydov
Susanna Gebauer says
I agree that some me-time spend on a hike with my dog or a chat with friends help to refuel. But I rarely get ideas for new blog posts there. But that is probably due to the fact that I do not talk about my blog topics with friends since I am not blogging about my life.
I rather get inspiration when browsing through other people’s blogs or working on something for our blog.
However, especially in these inspirational times we need to focus on what is good for us. When work-from-home is mingling with the things we usually do to refuel and when meeting friends is not on the menu we have to take conscious breaks from the stress, worry and work. Or our mind will just shut down!
Thanks for this reminder!
Susanna
Nina Amir says
Thanks for your comment….I loved your take on this.
Talk to Walle says
Give yourself time! You can try to enter the beginning of a sentence in the AI text generator and get surprised! talktowalle.com