If you’ve ever struggled to get into the zone when writing, you’re not alone. Between life’s distractions and the pressure of getting words on paper, starting can be the hardest part. That’s where writing rituals come in—those small, repetitive actions we do even before we sit down to write. It might seem silly, but it’s a technique that I find surprisingly effective when it comes to helping me switch my brain into “writing mode.” It can be as simple as brewing a cup of tea or turning on your favourite music to help create the perfect environment for focus.
The Comfort of Consistency
A writing ritual is all about routine. By doing the same small sequence of actions before writing, you’re signalling to your brain that it’s time to focus. For me, it’s about comfort and familiarity. Before I write, I’ll make myself a beverage, make my writing space comfortable, and turn on some non-distracting background noise. These familiar actions signal to my brain: “Okay, we’re writing now.”
The more consistent you are with your ritual, the easier it becomes to get into the flow. It’s kind of like training your brain to know what’s coming next. It is amazing how cues from our senses can trigger certain moods and memories, which can work to your advantage. For example, the moment I hear the cowbell at the start of Low Rider by War, I can practically smell the hallways of my high school, where that song was our cue to head to homeroom in the morning.
Setting Boundaries
Writing rituals can also help you set clear boundaries. I work from home, and so the line between work and life gets a little blurred sometimes. Having a ritual helps me switch gears. Those small actions create a physical and mental shift so that there is a distinction between work time and writing time.
Creating the Right Environment
Your environment plays a huge role in your productivity. If my desk is cluttered or my space feels chaotic, it’s harder to get into a productive mindset. But when I take a few minutes to set up my writing area in a way that feels right, it becomes easier to concentrate. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate—just a clean desk and comfy clothes can make all the difference.
Lighting a candle or playing quiet music can help set a calm, focused tone. With consistency in mind, try using one specific mug or cup for your beverage every time you sit down to write. Or keep one special pen and notebook just for the project you’re working on. The idea is that whatever ritual you use should be exclusive to writing so that it flips that switch in your brain.
5 Writing Rituals to Try
- Make a comfort drink. My favourite is Earl Grey tea or sparkling water in a fancy cup.
- Set the scene with music or white noise. I often put a YouTube fireplace or aquarium video up on the TV because I don’t like working in complete silence (thanks a lot, tinnitus), but I can’t concentrate if I have music on. I also sometimes create the right atmosphere by working along with a channel like Merve Study Corner.
- Tidy your writing space. I clear my desk of anything work-related and set out my notebook-in-progress and a fancy pen.
- Write at the same time every day. (This is hard.) When I have a good routine, my best writing time is at the end of the day, around 9:00 p.m.
- Do a quick stretch. Especially if I’m going to write after work, I’ve already been sitting all day. I find I need to move first before I can refocus on writing.
Making the Most of Your Time
At the end of the day, writing rituals are about creating a routine that works for you. By incorporating simple, consistent actions into your writing practice, you’ll make it easier to dive into your writing, maximizing the time you actually spend putting words on the page and minimizing the time that slips away while you stare at a blank page trying desperately to convince your brain to do its thang. So, if you haven’t already, try setting up a simple ritual that works for you, and stick with it. You’ll be surprised how much more productive and focused your writing sessions become.
Aly Writes 