It can be easy to wear yourself out in this business. Writing takes a mental toll, and requires a large investment of time and energy. Added to that, it’s a slow business. Writing a single book can take several months to a year, and if you’re going for the self-publishing route, the wait for release can be another year or more.
Self-care takes a variety of forms, from mental health to physical well-being. So here’s a selection of links to help you stay healthy as you work on your latest project.
1: Self-Care for Writers – Chuck Wendig kicks us off with his self-care advice for authors. These are some great, easy, tips on things from avoiding stressful media to removing shame of yourself.
2: Too Tired to Write – This article provides some simple day to day advice on keeping yourself not only focused, but energised and mentally able to get the work done.
3: Why Writers Need to Maintain Their Mental Health – Health Writer Hub’s article focuses on the mental health side of things, which is often overlooked in today’s busy world.
4: Health Tips for Writers Who Don’t Get Enough Exercise – Mental health isn’t the only thing to consider. Writing is a sedentary activity, and it’s easy to overlook your physical health when you’re in the zone.
5: Morning Routine – Routine and habits are excellent for providing peace of mind. Human beings find comfort in the familiar, and if you can work your writing into a familiar pattern, where you know how much work you’ll get done each day, you will feel more self-assured and stress-free. Jeff Goins gives an example here of his morning routine, but you can use this as a guide to create your own daily habits.
Good luck, and take care of yourselves!
(c) Paul Anthony Shortt
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