Burnout in students has become an increasingly common issue, specifically through writing-based majors facing writer’s block.  Writer’s block as a term became popularized in the 1940s, affecting writers from many different genres. This term is used to describe a feeling of not being able to continue writing or come up with an idea good enough to write.

Writer’s block can be a sign of other problems. Pushing through the challenges can take some time, but using tools and services offered through university programs can improve these struggles.

“If I’m feeling writer’s block, a lot of times I will just take a second to chill out and clear my head for maybe five minutes. Whether that’s watching a video on YouTube or doing something creative kind of helps get the creative juices flowing.”-Hamilton Keener, reporter at AccessWDUN

There are many different methods for solving writer’s block, including spacing out assignments and scheduling an appointment with an academic coach who can offer time management tips.  An appointment can be made through UNG Success Hub Web App.

Freshman English major Ashlyn Hall said, “Some ways that I’ve pulled through writer’s block are by giving myself space away from the topic and focusing on something I like so I can be inspired again.”

“I think a lot of people in the writing industry experience so much writer’s block and struggle to come up with new ideas because they feel as though their ideas have already been written,” said Hall.

This fear is not limited to students. Professionals say they face it, too.

“You just have to look at what’s going on around you, and it could be something as simple as a blood drive or a farmers’ market. Just find something small that may not be newsworthy but might spark an idea,” said Keener.