Saturday, April 18, 2015

P: Pamper Yourself

After 16 days of the A to Z Blogging Challenge, you might be looking forward to Sunday and a day without blogging. The Challenge is kind of like NaNoWriMo for bloggers. You just have to keep going. But that doesn't mean you should never come up for breath.

After finishing NaNo, writing the end on a novel or short story, finishing the Challenge, it's important to take some time to Pamper yourself. Put your feet up, have a cup of tea or hot coffee, pour a glass of wine, break out the cheese and crackers ... whatever lets you take a deep breath and just enjoy the moment.

Writers talk about how deadlines motivate them, but beneath those demands is the truth. No one is a writer or an artist of any kind if they're not intrinsically motivated. Writers drive themselves to get the words on paper.(screen) It's exhausting mental work on many different levels. And everyone needs to rest from it at some point.

Pampering yourself is different for all of us. For me, it's a cup of something, tea or coffee, and a book to read. Puttering around on my needy lawn and flowerbeds is also relaxing. Swimming when the water gets warm enough.

For some writers, it might just be switching what kind of writing you're doing. Perhaps you'll turn to short stories or poetry. Maybe you'll relax with other types of media, music, TV, taking in a movie or playing games.

Every one needs down time. Are the deadlines driving you self-imposed? Taking some time off will renew your enthusiasm and energy. Pamper yourself.

How do you pamper yourself? When do you take a break from writing. Who is imposing the deadlines you're working toward?

12 comments:

Ann Bennett said...

One day which will probably be never, I plan to book a cruise across the Atlantic and carry the autobiography of Mark Twain. Just chill and read with ocean breezes.

Sandra Wilkes said...

I just love to think about being pampered...or pampering myself. That is what I can do today! Thanks.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Ann, that sounds rather perfect. Hope you get to see it sooner than later.
Sandra, take the day. Hope you're having the lovely weather day we are.

i b arora said...

we surely deserve some pampering

Pat Hatt said...

What? Sunday is no blog day? pfffft says the cat haha

I just stretch out in front of the tv when I need a break.

Stephen Tremp said...

Ice cream, of course!

Philip Verghese 'Ariel' said...

Hi Susan,
Very interesting but at the same time, a very necessary one too! Yes we all need some kind of pampering!! Yes
it differ from Person to person. Nice to be here.
-philip

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Video games and lots of them!

Anonymous said...

Sometimes I get hubby to pamper me with a backrub. Other times, I just veg out and watch TV while doing nothing else.

~Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
Member of C. Lee's Muffin Commando Squad
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, Indie Author

Michelle Wallace said...

I'm dreaming of a day spa, including body massage, foot massage, facial, waxing, hot stone treatment and aromatherapy... bliss!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

You read my mind, Susan. Crackers, cheese, and wine it is! Thanks.

Archana said...

Yessss!! Pampering ourselves is a must! I prefer a spa :)