Being blocked as a writer wrecks havoc with the old stress level. Especially if you have a dealing that is quickly coming up.

You try and try but as hard as you try the words become more elusive. Pounding your head on your desk does not loosen up those ideas. Trust me I have tried. The only thing that I got was a nasty bump and a headache which didn't help writing an article.

One thing that I have my staff do and some laughingly say it is a requirement to work for the publication and me, is to meditate at least once per day. Usually before they are to begin any and all the fabulous work assignments they have. Finding that by becoming  one with yourself will open the passage way to your creative flow easier. You tend to be relaxed, refreshed and at peace. Your mind is now ready to go. Go where is the fun part.

I do ask all staff to do this as it seems to help them not only with the writing but in their other parts of life as well.

Before staff meetings this is a common practice as well. A thirty minute meditation session clears the minds and the ideas seem to come out from all over. Sometimes the topics are little odd, but if it fits do it!

One of the other exercises that I have personally practiced and have my staff do is to always have a junk pad with them. A junk pad is just that. A pad to do nothing but doodle. Starting with a doodle you begin to look at what you have mindless drawn. After which time you write a word or two that is just random. Letting your mind explore where it wants to go. Free flowing like a river.

Soon you will find that other words or ideas begin to come to light. I have had some of the best articles written by staff that stemmed from this exercise.

If all else fails I take out the whip and start cracking. haha