Relax! Overcome Writer's Block With Three Deep Breathing Yoga Exercises

If you are a writer, chances are you have sufferedyour mind, put down your pen, move away from your
from writer's block. You sit at your desk, stare at yourcomputer and practice any of these three simple yoga
computer or blank sheet of paper, and wonder, whatbreathing exercises, they will help to release tension
will I write? Yet no matter how hard you try, you justand blockages.
can't seem to find the words.Three Deep Breathing Yoga Exercises
You feel blocked. You know you have something toDiaphragmatic Breathing Exercise
say, an important message to share with your1. Lie down on your back and place your right hand on
audience yet, finding the 'right words' or knowing whatyour lower abdomen. Place your left hand on your
to write, eludes you.upper chest.
In the background you hear the clock ticking, and each2. Turn your attention to your breath. Focus your
tick seems to get louder and louder, each tock seemsawareness on your lower abdomen and as you slowly
to be getting faster and faster, almost as if time, isbreathe in through your nose, be aware of your right
mocking you and reminding you that time is precioushand rising as you breathe in.
and if you don't get a move on, write that first3. Send this breath to your upper chest and be aware
sentence, then you are doomed to failure; doomed toof your left hand rising as you continue to breathe fully
another day of not completing your dream book orand deeply.
article to promote your work.4. As you slowly breathe out, you will feel your hand
When you feel blocked what do you do? Rather thanlowering as your stomach lowers.
waste precious time, practice simple yoga breathing5. Repeat this deep diaphragmatic breathing for 5 - 10
exercises. They will help to re-energise and unlockrounds.
your creative muse.Relaxation Breath
There is a definite link between your state of mind andSitting comfortably, take a deep breath in and shrug
the way you breathe. Have you noticed that whenyour shoulders up to your ears, breathe out and
you are anxious, tense or worried about what to write,release, smile and relax your jaw. On your next breath,
your breath is shallow, you hold your breath, yourbreathe in and whisper the word 'relax' then breathe
whole body feels tight and your mind is totally blank; orout, and whisper the word 'relax'. Sit quietly and repeat
if you are like me, your mind is like a maze, full of ideasthis sequence for 5 - 10 rounds.
that you don't know which to follow through and youHumming Bee
end up writing nothing.Sitting comfortably, take a deep breath in through your
However when you are relaxed, happy and joyfulnose and slowly breathe out, through your nose. As
your breath is slow and even. Your body feels softyou breathe out pretend to be a humming bee and
and mind expansive. You are in the zone and wordshummmmm as you breathe out. You can be a noisy
flow from you as your fingers race over the keyboardbee or a very quiet softly humming bee. Repeat 3 - 5
or fill up the empty pages in your journal.times. This is one of my favourite breathing practices
Proper breathing is an essential part of relaxation. Theand really helps to clear and unblock my mind.
way you breathe, impacts upon your emotions andSo next time you suffer writers block, don't worry,
energy levels. When you are relaxed, creativity flows.trust your instincts, take a few minutes and try one of
Thus learning how to use your breath to releasethe above deep breathing exercises...you will feel calm,
tension is vital to your success as a writer.clear and creativity will flow. Give it a go and enjoy
To help you tap into your creativity, clear and calmyour success as a writer.