Five Ways to Increase Your Writerly Wellbeing

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!

A little reminder/rerun, to keep us all healthy and productive!

Comments

[Sabrina]

I try to set the mood when I sit down for a long writing session on the weekends.

I have two writing spaces - one is on the patio outside. It has bird feeders, a water fountain and shade. I bring out a pitcher of iced tea and some fruit snacks. There's usually a breeze and it's less stressful just being in that environment.

When I'm inside, I make sure to light a scented candle on my writing desk, play music to go with my WIP and open the drapes to let in lots of light. I also keep more iced tea or coffee with me. The music usually relaxes me and the candle serves as something to stare at when I'm in need of inspiration. Very peaceful. :)

[Donna Cummings]

Sabrina, I haven't really thought about setting the "writing mood", but this is a really great idea. (Actually, it sounds like a good idea for me to come over to YOUR house. LOL You've got everything I need!)

I have a very peaceful place to write at home, with lots of trees to look at, and plenty of animals scurrying around entertaining me. It really does help the wellbeing aspect.

[julie gardner]

Why is it that you always seem to write exactly what I'm thinking? Or living? Or avoiding (cough).

For me, the biggest distraction from my writing right now is (drum roll, please)

SUMMER!

How's that for an insurmountably large obstacle to plunk in front of me.

I'm allowing it to happen. But my kids can't drive but never want to be home.
I'm a constant chauffeur and sometimes willing participant to their antics (which are never at the same place at the same time with the same people).

We are having so much fun but I have barely visited blogs, let alone written my own posts, and the novel?

What novel?

I'm trying to keep it in perspective. They won't be young for long. But still. I'm getting antsy.

And yet letting myself off the hook...
(not sure that's a good thing. pretty sure it's not.)

I need my quiet house back. Is it September yet?

[Donna Cummings]

Julie, I guess you didn't notice that little "braincam" I had installed in your head, to help me with these blog posts. LOL

And enjoy yourself, with your kids. That's what summer is for! I'm convinced your brain is in stealth mode, working on your writing while you're doing things with your kids. Then when it's quiet time again (aka September), the words will flow like vodka at happy hour. :)