How to Write a Paper Through Stress, Imminent Mental Breakdowns, and Writer’s Block

            After hours and days and months of research, after compiling tons of notes and sources, it’s finally time to start the actual research paper.

            But where do I begin?

            Well, if the notes that I took were well-organized into a chart or outline, as I mentioned in a previous post, and I have a literature review done as well, then I have a starting point. Most people think that you have to start your essay with your thesis. This is perfectly fine if you want to go in order, but it has always been easier for me to just begin with my reasons and then go back to write an introduction. I feel that once most of my paper is done, the intro that I write will better encompass the rest of my research. Do whatever works best for you.

            Remember, it’s okay if at first your paper doesn’t come out the way you planned. You can always move things around, add and subtract phrases, and check for errors later. Just don’t procrastinate like I (and many others) tend to do.

            But knowing the information is only one part. Stay healthy—get some sleep and eat a snack. If you feel stressed, or you have writer’s block, take a break. Take a break between making corrections, too. Remember, this paper may be an important, but so is your health. And trust me, you won’t be writing anything coherently when you’re exhausted or panicking; mental breakdowns can be avoided if you remember this!

            Again, if you want to be able to have a reference to help you with your paper, make an outline. Nothing is final until you hand it in, so improve your rough draft until you’re happy with it. That way, no matter what your grade, you know you’ve done your best.