Weekend Writing: Self-Care Strategies for Writers

Last month, I provided self-care strategies, emphasizing that we must take time to check in with our inner feelings. We must take care of ourselves in order to have a healthy body, mind, and soul.

This applies to us, too, fellow writers. We must take care of ourselves when we're working on projects. It is so easy to get caught up in the writing--to be consumed by the drafts, the editing, and the stress involved with each phase. As writers, our work is so mentally and emotionally draining. You burn out, you experience self-doubt, and by the end of the project, you collapse from exhaustion.

This isn't good, friends. We must take care of ourselves as we write. After all, we need to have healthy minds in order to be creative and, well, write.

Below are a variety of strategies to perform when you start to feel overwhelmed during the writing process. Pick a few of these and incorporate them into your weekly writing routine.

1. Don't feel guilty about writing. 

"Midnight in Paris" (photo/Gifer).

It's easy to feel guilty as writers. "Why am I writing right now when I could be hanging out with my friends? They'll think I don't want to be with them." Don't think like that. You have to understand that writing is your job; it's your passion.

You should never feel guilty about taking time to do what you love. Give yourself time to write freely and without any guilt. If they're your real friends, they'll understand why you have to work.

2. Stop caring about what others think. 

(photo/ThinkPozitive.com)

This goes right along with feeling guilty about being a writer. There will be times when you feel insecure about being a writer. You will meet people who think writing isn't a real career--at least not a practical career. "Isn't writing just a hobby?" Try being a professional writer. It's definitely more than "just a hobby."

The key to dealing with this is to stop caring about what others think. I know, I know, that's easier said than done. But if you stopped caring about what they think, you can focus on your creativity and writing. Focus on what makes you happy. Keep writing, and prove to those people that writing is a real career when you publish your book. Revel at the look on their face when you tell them you published a book.

3. Have confidence. 

It's easy for writers to feel insecure. You might sometimes feel insecure about calling yourself a writer. "What's your job?" "Oh, well, I, uh, I'm a...writer." If you're a writer, say you're a writer.

"Midnight in Paris" (photo/vanbytheriver).

In the movie Midnight in Paris, Ernest Hemingway says, "If you're a writer, declare yourself the best writer."

Have confidence. Being a writer isn't a bad thing. So, why are you shy? Own your status! Be confident and the next time someone asks you what you do for a living, don't hesitate. Happily declare, "I'm a writer."

4. Understand your status.

(photo/We Heart It)

So many writers say, "I'm not good enough. I'll never be great." This refers back to your confidence as a writer. Yes, you might not be the best right now. That's okay. You have room to grow. Understand your status.

Understand where you are right now and your current skills. Understand what you're good at right now and understand what you're not good at, yet. Yet is the important word there. Understand that you will get better; it just takes practice. Understand that you're still learning as a writer. You don't have to be amazing, yet. But don't say you're not good enough. You are. 

You're trying, and that's all you can do.

(photo/The Super Organizer Universe)

5. Get organized. 

One of the things that add more stress to writers is that they aren't organized. Nothing is worse than digging through files and files of papers to search for one note about your project. You can't work like that. You have to get organized.

Organize your files, notebooks, etc. in one place. Know where everything is, so you don't have to worry as you're working. If you need to refer to something, you can quickly go to the right folder. This will help you feel better and eliminate a small bit of stress.

6. Take breaks. 

(photo/EnkiQuotes.com)

If you are experiencing writer burnout, that's when you need to take a break. Don't write so much that you get exhausted. Take a 15-20 minute break and work on a household project: fold the laundry, wash the dishes, clean your bedroom, etc.

Give your brain a chance to focus on something else that isn't relating to your writing. Relax for a while and then return to your writing. You might be surprised how much more energy you have after your break.

7. Talk to fellow writers. 

(photo/Move to Tacoma)

Sometimes, all you need to feel better is to talk to others. You need to interact with others. You can't just sit in your office all day with your writing; you need to get out and hang out with your peers. If these peers are fellow writers, you're in a win-win situation. Talk to them about your writing. They will understand more than others what it's like to be a writer.

You need to interact with fellow writers--people who will listen to you vent about your writing and offer advice. If you feel comfortable enough with the peers, share your writing with them. Form a writing community, and these people will become some of the most important friends in your life.

8. Write from the heart. 

(photo/Kiwi Lane)

Finally, you have to write from the heart. Write what you love. Remember why you're a writer. You're a writer. You have now accepted that. You're building confidence. Now, write what you love.

Don't worry so much about if your writing will get published, how it will market, or if readers will enjoy it. While these are important factors, they aren't as important as your primary concern: that you love to write. Write because you love it.

Remember why you're a writer: because you have to be a writer. Remind yourself why you're a writer. Write from that place. Write because it makes you happy. If you remind yourself that you love to write, you'll feel so much better.

Trust me.

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(photo/The Red Fairy Project)

Of course, there are many other ways to take care of yourself as a writer, but these are the most important strategies. Take breaks, refuel the creative energy in your brain, be confident, declare yourself the best writer, form a community, get organized, write from the heart, and always know that you're doing the best you can.

If you think about these steps, you'll feel more connected to your writing. Your writing will thank you.

You're doing a good job. Remind yourself that every now and then. And remind yourself that you're a writer...And don't you ever apologize for that.

Take care of yourself, friends.

Write on.

-KJL-