Monday, December 16, 2019

Be Kind To Yourself


As writers, the work can be mentally and emotionally draining as you grind away on those manuscripts. Creative slumps, dry spells, and writer’s block hit all writers from time to time.

Writers can be very neglectful when it comes to self-care, especially those who work from home and know that there are bills that need to be paid, looming deadlines, household chores and children who need your constant attention.

It can be quite daunting.

Pause.

Take a deep breathe.

A reminder that yo
u need to give yourself permission to sit back and let the well refill.

As you reflect on the year that has been, here are some reminders:
1. Write for 20 minutes, then stretch your arms, back, and shoulders.
2. Take frequent breaks. Go for a walk. You can people watch and observe and listen.
3. Don't check your sales figures every single day.
4. Buy some new accessories (maybe a bullet journal or colorful post-its)
5. Remember that everyone feels like an impostor sometimes.      

6. Have a little bit of writing-related fun where you give your inner writer a little TLC such as,
doodling or writing some bad poetry. Alleviate the pressure from yourself by not expecting the writing to become “a thing.”
7. Read for the sake of reading.
When was the last time that you picked up a book just to enjoy the experience? Too often writers seem to focus on craft books instead of reading for the sheer love of reading.
8. Accept that you'll always have room to grow so you
need to stop beating yourself up
for not being 100% productive all the time - remember that perfect is the 'enemy' of good.

Are there any other tips you can add to this list?

12 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Good reminders. There is no such thing as perfect - we just need to do our best.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

HI Michelle ... don't fret about life, but do exercise ... and read plenty ... great tips - have a happy warm Christmas and New Year!! Cheers Hilary

nashvillecats2 said...

Good tips Michelle. Enjoyed the post will remember what you wrote.

Yvonne.

Juneta key said...

What a great post and tips. I love the thoughtful way it was presented. I definitely need to put some thought into some of that too.

Pat Hatt said...

Getting up and moving about is important indeed, especially with editing as that is more stationary than even writing.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Perfect timing for this post. With all the holiday craziness, I feel like I am working every second just to stay afloat. I'll buy a new notebook while out shopping for gifts and tell myself I deserve it.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Between holiday busyness and books, I need a few of those breaks.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Drink plenty of water. That's always good for you, plus it gets you up and to the washroom frequently, which is exercise, or want for a better term: writer in motion. Thanks, Michelle.

Beth Camp said...

Thank you for your positive encouragement that works for writers at every stage -- even if we are retired!

cleemckenzie said...

A timely reminder that our health is primary. I'd add "Put water nearby (not near your keyboard--lesson learned by me last year) and stay hydrated.

Sherry Ellis said...

Good list! Going for a walk or exercising helps me. It's important to take care of ourselves.

Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Janet said...

I really needed this post right now. I've been in a creative slump for a couple of months, ever since finishing a round of edits on my first novel and starting my second. It's like I've forgotten how to write rather than edit.

Happy New Year! May the words come easy in 2020 for all of us.