5 Cues to Get Your Brain into the Writing Zone (Hint: Take Advantage of the Five Senses)

Are you struggling to get your thoughts and ideas down on paper? Experiencing writer's block? You are not alone!

Society has long encouraged people from a young age to pursue their passions. However, the reality can be far from a dream life. It sucks. I said it, and you should say it aloud too. Constant rejections turn into self-doubt. Negative self-talk pushes you away from becoming the best version of yourself. Been there? Done that?

The good news is that the human brain is not a fixed entity. People can bounce back from difficulties all the time. Sometimes, it takes years to get back into your rhythm; other times, it might only take one signal to switch your brain into task mode. Below are five cues to nudge (dare) you to write.

1. Smell the Coffee

Or tea, or matcha—whatever your morning drink may be. These universally beloved beverages set a positive tone for the day. The scent of roasted coffee beans or the aroma of freshly brewed Earl Grey can do wonders. It’s not just caffeine that helps you focus; these delightful drinks have a calming effect, igniting your creativity. Plus, the polyphenols in these drinks sort of cleanse inflammation in our body if taken in moderation. (Too much caffeine, of course, is too much.)

2. Listen to Ambient Music

It's no coincidence that cafes play background music. Many writers, especially screenwriters, put on their favorite playlists to tackle their work. This isn’t my personal style, as I often delve into serious topics where soft music doesn’t match the theme. Nonetheless, I share this cue so that you can pick and choose from as many options tailored to your preferences.

3. Snuggle with Your Pets

Need I say more? Research shows that interacting with fluffy, cute animals would release endorphins, reduce stress, and lift your mood. If you are an animal lover like me, you know that they are a sanctuary to our minds. Animals don't care if your writing career hasn't taken off as you wished or whether you're a bestselling author. No judgment. No hustle. When they ask for belly rubs, you give them. When they settle on your feet for a long, long nap, you stay still. Because in return, you will be able to think clearly, come up with more brilliant ideas, and edit more efficiently, thanks to these happiness-inducing companions.

4. Re-read Your Favorite Authors

When I feel like I am in a maze, I reach for some beautifully written pieces, often academic journals. Their well-structured and thoughtful writing prompts me to write, often for hours without even trying! It’s similar to watching an ice cream commercial that makes you crave a sundae—perhaps you have rushed out to buy that pint in the middle of the night once (or too many times to admit). It is like that. Great writing makes me hungry to type until I feel full. And once I hit a thousand words, I feel exhilarated. And then I want to do it all over again. Because the only way to feel that feeling is to write.

5. Munch on Brain Foods

(By the way, "brain foods" gives me weird mental pictures... anyone?)

Foods rich in nutrients—like nuts, leafy greens, and mushrooms—are winners. Sometimes, it’s as simple as fueling your energy to be productive, rather than relying solely on mind tricks or willpower. My favorite food in the whole world is anything pumpkin spice—coffee, muffins, pancakes. Interestingly, pumpkin spice is a powerhouse for boosting cognition; it contains coffee, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove—all scientifically proven to stimulate relaxation and concentration. I would gladly take pumpkin spice any time of the year as an excuse to become a prolific writer!