How to handle writer’s block during your dissertation
Introduction
Oh, this is Maria again, and welcome to the third episode of our dissertation blog series! In this series, I’m sharing my experiences and tips to help you navigate through your dissertation journey. Today, I want to talk about something that almost all of us struggle with at some point—writer’s block. Writing a dissertation is already a daunting task, and hitting a wall can be incredibly frustrating, especially when deadlines are looming. But don’t worry! Writer’s block isn’t the end of the road—with the right tools and mindset, you can get back on track. Here are some practical strategies that helped me, and I hope they’ll help you too.
1. Break it down into smaller tasks
One major cause of writer’s block is feeling overwhelmed by the sheer size of the project. I remember looking at my dissertation as one huge assignment and feeling completely stuck. What worked for me was breaking it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Instead of thinking, “I need to write the literature review,” I’d set a smaller goal like, “summarise three articles today” or “write 300 words about this specific topic.” It made everything feel more achievable.
Write one sentence at a time: Even starting with a single sentence can make a big difference. Often, once you start writing, the momentum helps carry you forward.
Set micro-goals: Set very achievable micro-goals to get the ball rolling. It could be something as simple as writing a paragraph, summarizing a key point, or noting down some bullet points.
2. Establish a writing routine
Writing is a habit, and like any habit, it can be developed with consistency. Establishing a writing routine helped me train my brain to be productive at certain times.
Same time, same place: Choose a specific time and location for writing each day. When your brain knows what to expect, it becomes easier to get into the writing flow.
Morning vs. evening writing: Experiment with writing at different times of the day. I found that I’m more creative in the mornings, but you might prefer writing late at night. Find what works for you!
3. Freewriting to stimulate ideas
If you’re struggling to find the right words or ideas, try freewriting. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and just write anything that comes to mind without worrying about structure, grammar, or even if it makes sense. This exercise helped me get words flowing and often led to some surprisingly useful ideas.
Prompt yourself: Give yourself a writing prompt related to your dissertation. For example, “Explain this concept as if I were telling it to a friend.”
Brainstorm questions: Write down questions you’re trying to answer with your dissertation and start jotting down ideas. This can help generate new insights and get you moving again.
4. Change your writing environment
Sometimes, writer’s block happens simply because you’re uninspired. A change of environment can make a big difference. If I usually wrote at my desk, moving to a different room, the library, or even a coffee shop provided a fresh perspective and reduced the monotony.
Create an inspiring workspace: If you can’t change locations, consider adding things to your workspace that inspire you—plants, motivational quotes, or artwork. A little change in your surroundings can go a long way.
5. Take breaks and do something different
Writing for long stretches without a break can lead to mental fatigue, which often triggers writer’s block. When I felt stuck, taking a break really helped.
Exercise: Physical activity, like taking a walk, stretching, or doing some yoga, helped clear my mind and reduce stress. Plus, I often found myself coming up with ideas when I wasn’t even trying!
Engage in a creative activity: Try drawing, cooking, or playing music—something creative that doesn’t involve writing. Doing something different helped me relax and reset my mind.
6. Write imperfectly
One of the biggest hurdles to overcoming writer’s block is the need for perfection. I had to remind myself that my first draft didn’t need to be perfect—it just needed to exist. Allowing myself to write imperfectly made a huge difference.
Draft quickly, edit later: Focus on getting your ideas down first, even if they’re messy. There will be plenty of time to refine and polish during the editing phase.
Write out of order: If you’re stuck on one section, move on to another. You don’t need to write your dissertation in a linear fashion. Writing the part I felt most comfortable with helped me build momentum.
7. Revisit your outline
If you’re unsure of what to write next, go back to your outline. A good outline acted as a roadmap for my dissertation, providing structure and clarity. Whenever I felt lost, reviewing my outline helped me get back on track.
Expand bullet points: Take bullet points from your outline and expand them into full sentences or paragraphs. This way, you’re building on what you already have rather than starting from scratch.
Visualise the flow: Tools like mind maps can help you visualize how different sections and ideas connect, giving you the clarity you need to continue writing.
8. Talk it out
When I felt stuck, talking through my ideas was incredibly helpful. I’d explain my topic, problem, or argument to a friend or family member, and it often helped me articulate my thoughts more clearly.
Voice memos: Record your thoughts using a voice memo app and then listen back to transcribe or expand upon them. This technique helped me capture ideas that I might have otherwise forgotten.
Discuss with peers: Talking with peers who were also working on their dissertations provided new insights, feedback, and made me feel less isolated.
9. Practice self-compassion
It’s important to remember that writer’s block is normal and happens to everyone. Be kind to yourself during these challenging times. I realised that putting too much pressure on myself to be constantly productive only made things worse.
Acknowledge your feelings: Accept that you’re experiencing a block and understand that it’s temporary. Recognising this made it easier for me to work on overcoming it.
Take care of yourself: Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in activities that relax you. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial for overcoming writer’s block.
10. Set a timer and just start
A simple but effective trick to overcome writer’s block is the “just start” method. I’d set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes and force myself to write during that time. Even if it felt forced at first, by the end of the session, the words usually started to flow more naturally.
Use the Pomodoro technique: The Pomodoro Technique—working for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break—helped me focus without feeling overwhelmed.
Conclusion
Writer’s block can feel like an insurmountable obstacle, but with the right strategies, you can push through it. Whether you break down your work into smaller tasks, establish a routine, or take a step back to refresh your mind, remember that every writer faces these struggles at some point. Be patient with yourself, try different approaches, and find what works best for you. Your dissertation is a journey, and every word you write takes you one step closer to the finish line. Keep going—you’ve got this!
Here you can find the first and the second episode of my dissertation blog series.
In case you need guidance for your dissertation or research project, you can find more information here.