As writers, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves. Partly that's because we're trying to be the best storyteller we can be, and partly we know that the publishing bar gets lifted higher and higher – especially when it seems we're getting closer to vaulting over it. So we keep pushing ourselves, striving to reach our goal of a near-perfect story, perfectly written, in the shortest timeframe possible.
Yet the more pressure we put on ourselves, the more stressed we feel, which makes us feel inadequate. Then we either can't write or we're convinced what we've written originated from the back end of a donkey with serious digestive issues.
Stress can actually help us, toughening our hide for those days we encounter critics (even our own). However, too much of this can be detrimental, and we start looking for relief. By a show of hands, how many seek out chocolate, or a beverage of an alcoholic nature, or the distraction of the internet?
These are all great stress relievers, and I'm not suggesting they should be ignored or avoided. I could do an hour-long infomercial on the efficacy of each one and still feel like I needed more time to extol their benefits.
However, maybe it's time to expand our repertoire with a few other tricks of the trade.
Obviously none of the things I'm about to suggest could be classified as avant garde or radical. We all know these things, but sometimes we need a reminder. That's why we read blogs and articles and self-help books: to retrieve good advice that we've stored away in the deep recesses of our brain.
So let's get those mental backhoes out and start excavating! Way back there, in that section labeled, "Self-Care Advice I Plan to Use Someday When I'm Exhausted and Finally Ready to Acknowledge How Much I Really Need It".
- Take a walk—Swing your arms and really breathe. If something is making you gnash your teeth, this can help you work it out. Soon you'll be paying attention to the sounds and sights around you, and your mind will naturally wander back to your story, but you'll most likely leave the stress behind you, panting as it tries to catch up.
- Get up and get a glass of water—None of us drink enough water on a daily basis, and I worry that our brains are shriveling without that necessary liquid replenishment. It's okay to have your beverage at your desk or near your chair. But it's even better to get up and walk to where your beverage is. It's a brief movement that's beneficial, along with a momentary change of scenery that's just as valuable as the water. I try to do this at least once an hour.
- Stretch—Writing is an intense occupation, and when we're absorbed with our stories we can get all hunched over our desks or our laptops. If we're writing by hand, our fingers get cramped hanging on to the pen. If we're in a good groove, we hate to stop, fearing the flow will never return. However, do you want your body to freeze into that position? Hey, I've got an idea! You can stretch when you get up to get your glass of water! I'm not talking about downward dog yoga poses here. Just a few simple hand and arm stretches, to reward them for their efforts and get them ready to go back for the next round.
- Give thanks—Writing is a gift, even when it feels like one we'd stand in line to return on the busiest shopping day of the year. So a little "thank you" to your muse, your characters, or even yourself, goes a long way to reducing built-up stress. Reflect on what is going well when you're writing. Anyone can focus on the negative, but it takes a discerning person to focus on what IS working, especially when surrounded by mayhem and chaos and dire news.
- Smile—Your writing is intended to touch readers' hearts, so it's got to impact yours. Read what you've written and smile. If you're alone when you write, it's your own little secret. If you're writing in public, you'll intrigue the hell out of the people nearby, so be prepared to answer with enthusiasm when they ask, "What are you writing?"
These are my suggestions. Now I'd love to hear what you do to relieve stress and increase your writerly well-being. Any and all ideas are welcome. Please share!
Writer self care...walk the dog. Not the same as just taking a walk on my own. Walking Bonnie and laughing at the way she enjoys the world...it works a lot of what you're saying. The walk, the smile, even the give thanks.
None appreciate the world the way dogs do. So, I watch her.
Because you are so right. One must renew, both body and soul!
Posted by: Maureen | October 18, 2010 at 01:09 AM
Maureen, that's an excellent way to combine several items! You're right about dogs being so appreciative of the world. I love how they always seem to be smiling about everything--so excited to see the same stuff they see every day. LOL
I watch my "wildlife" around here for the same reason. The animals seem to have plenty of time for playing, even in the midst of the serious business of gathering food for the winter.
Posted by: Donna Cummings | October 18, 2010 at 08:29 AM
Great tips, Donna! My big stress reliever is running. It's a great time to let my mind go a little blank. I have to do something to counter-balance my chocolate habit! ;-)
Posted by: Liz Fichera | October 18, 2010 at 09:33 AM
Liz, I applaud you for being a runner! I agree on the need to have something to counterbalance the chocolate habit. Mmm, this sitting on the couch strategy isn't doing much to counter MINE unfortunately. LOL
Posted by: Donna Cummings | October 18, 2010 at 09:46 AM
Great post! I think a lot of people do some of their best writing (i.e. thinking ahead) while moving around and doing things like walking. So not only will that relieve stress, but keep you engage with your writing too.
Posted by: Tracey | October 20, 2010 at 01:20 PM
Tracey, you are SO right -- I think our brains enjoy movement and exercise too. I wish my brain had a reminder button about that tho -- LOL -- I need to get better about following my own advice!
Posted by: Donna Cummings | October 20, 2010 at 01:37 PM
I am way late on this but I love these suggestions, especially the one about smiling. The only one I can think of that you didn't mention is talking to and hanging out with my writer friends. I swear, all the expense for Nationals is worth it when I get to sit around and laugh with my buddies spread near and far.
Posted by: Terri Osburn | October 21, 2010 at 12:52 PM
Terri, there's no such thing as too late. :)
And you're so right -- talking to and hanging out with writer friends -- what a treat! I hope I can make it to Nationals this year. It's mainly because I want to see everyone I *talk* to online. :)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | October 21, 2010 at 01:16 PM