7 Ways to Get Your Brain Doing Shit

We all know how hard it is to come up with an idea for something. Hell, I haven't had a good idea in weeks. So here I have some useful tips to help you get going.

1. CAFFEINE

I cannot put enough emphasis on how helpful a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of Pepsi can do to your brain. caffeine, like nicotine and Ritalin, is a stimulant. It jogs your brain into motion, so if you're exhausted, or even just a little fuzzy, a boost will really help you crank out some really ingenious ideas.

2. Eat

It could be chocolate, carrots, or chicken nuggets--I don't care. Eating something will get your brain and your body working faster. You'll be able to think, and write at a better speed than you might have otherwise.

3. De-clutter

When it comes to creating a productive writing space, less is sometimes more. Clean up your desk area, and close out of unnecessary tabs like Tumblr and Buzzfeed. Okay, yes, they're necessary because my life revolves almost exclusively around these two websites, but this is writing time. When it's writing time, you can't be distracted by Supernatural gifs or cute videos of corgis. I know, it's hard, but I'm sure you can do it.

4. Get somewhere quiet

Okay, so you might love your friends and family and social media. But when you're writing, it's usually best to be as far away as possible from people who might try to engage you in conversation. Your quiet place could be anywhere--a coffee shop, a library, a park, or even somewhere in your own home. This is another way to cut off distractions, and feel free to tell that chatty friend who reeeeeeaaaaaally wants to tell you what happened on The Bachelor last night to shut the fuck up.

5. Listen to music

Find your jam and bury yourself in it. Music is a great way to help you concentrate, and can also help drown out all of those stupid, annoying distractions like your social life. You can listen to music that fits what you're feeling, or fits what you're writing, or whatever the heckle deckle you feel like listening to.

6. Listen to soothing sounds

I don't know what relaxes you. Rain, ocean waves, whale sounds, what have you. But playing something soothing as white nose either over your music or instead of it really helps the brain relax. There's also a really great website, Coffitivity.com, which plays mundane coffee shop sounds that do miracles for your creativity.

7. Exercise

Ew, exercise! If you hate it, don't worry. So do I, as well as probably most of the human population. But as much as it sucks to be sweaty and moving, and not sitting on the couch watching reruns of Doctor Who, getting up and getting your wiggle on releases endorphins, which we know not only makes us happy, but boosts our concentration. Don't believe me? That's okay. I cited a real professional on this:

First rule of Elle Woods, Elle Woods is always right.

So there you have it. Seven quick and easy ways to help get your brain doing shit.