We all times when we experience mental fog and our minds just aren’t working as proficiently as usual. We might experience overthinking, mental stagnation, mental exhaustion or writer’s block.

Writer’s block is simply your mind overworking in one area of your life and it’s time to switch up the routine. Writer’s block comes in two main forms – overthinking and mental stagnation. Overthinking can happen when you’re overanalyzing a particular situation and creating stress. It can project in many different forms such as worry, judgment, or the inability to let go of unproductive thoughts.

Mental stagnation is when you’re unable to create an idea or solution, similar to a blank mind. This can affect artists, journalists, designers, creatives, and even entrepreneurs. This frustration can result in feeling frozen in place with your work or feelings of hopelessness.

Whether you’re experiencing overthinking or mental stagnation, there is a simple and effective way to overcome it. Do the opposite. When you experience overthinking as you write, read something; a book, poem, magazine, or novel. When the mind is continuously racing it needs the cycle to be broken. Reading allows the mind to stay active but not stress over a thought. Reading allows the mind to absorb information or ideas. Another simple remedy is to participate in physical activity. Movement allows the mind to rest while still being active. Personally, I create my best writings while washing dishes by hand. If I have a deadline, I have the cleanest house around with plenty of baked goods on the counter! I’ve never missed a deadline.

When you’re mentally stuck on a creative project, or an idea, you might want to do something creative in another area. Engage in painting, drawing, journaling, or building something to stimulate the creative right brain. Allow your mind to be creative elsewhere and return refreshed to complete the original project or situation.

Overthinking and mental stagnation can make it difficult or impossible to create. When needed, do something different until your mind feels energized and ready to go. Minds also require moments of rest and good quality sleep.