For all it's benefits, there is a little imp that makes his way onto your work table when you least expect it. His name is writers block. Everyone has heard about even the best writers experiencing writers block from time to time. It is unavoidable, but you can remedy this problem if you arm yourself with some of the techniques that professional writers use when the little imp jumps between our ears!



Here are 10 of the best ways.

1. Take a stretch! Shake your head. Relax for a minute. Take a deep breath. Sometimes all it takes is to loosen yourself up a bit before moving forward.

2. Completely divert your attention. Stop. Get up and walk the dog. Brush your teeth. Cook yourself a meal. Wash the dishes. Whatever it takes to shake your mind loose from the pressure at hand.

3. Write a paragraph full of nonsense. I'm only halfway ashamed to admit it, but when I can't pull another syllable out of my tired brain, I start writing dirty jokes and other nonsense to put a little smile on my face. After this, I'm usually ready to begin again.

4. Re-read the last two paragraphs. Sometimes going over what you just wrote can provide you with a fresh look at the concept you're trying to communicate.

5. Break out the thesaurus. This is especially good when that doggone word is on the tip of your tongue, but you can't seem to pluck it out. A thesaurus is an essential tool in the writers arsenal.

6. Get something to eat. Sometimes writers block is a result of brain fog. Brain fog can be the result of low energy levels. Grab something small to munch on and get those A's connecting with those B's in no time.

7. Call a friend to ask for help. Anyone, really, you get the idea. Enlist the help of someone who can provide a clear and fresh eye for what you are doing. Two heads are really better than one!

8. Brainstorm about three to five related concepts down before you go any further. Sometimes this small thing is all it takes to jar an idea loose from your foggy mind.

9. Write your last few sentences down on pencil and paper. Believe it or not, this is a very effective technique. Pecking away at your laptop becomes tedious and annoying at times. Writing on actual paper for a minute can help train you back into coherence.

10. If you're a guy, kiss your wife. Women are a fantastic, if not overutilized diversion for us. Don't go too far, cowboy, you've got writing to do! If you're a gal, kiss your husband. Men are a fantastic, if not underutilized diversion for you. Don't go too far, cowgirl, you've got writing to do!

These are some of the best known tactics for knocking your noggin back to life. Your writing is worth the extra effort and depends on someone who is coherent enough to carry your idea the last five yards. Mimicking what other professionals do is not only intelligent, but it's also what THEY do to keep themselves sharp when they have to be. Before you know it, your competence as a writer will be so strong that bouts with writers block will become fewer and further between.