4 Ways to Take Care of Yourself as a Writer
There’s no doubt about it, writing is stressful. You’ve all seen the writer’s memes out there about what people think writers do and what they actually do. The stereotype of writer’s sitting out on a balcony overlooking the mountains, mug of coffee in hand, while easily and effortlessly penning their latest novel are greatly over exaggerated.
An author’s life is stressful, filled with half-finished plots, proverbial balled up pieces of paper littering the floor, and long, long, long hours sitting at the computer. It’s important to learn as a writer, or in any other line of business, to work smarter not harder. One thing writers tend to forget is to take care of themselves during this arduous process of birthing a novel or any other work. With that in mind, read on below for a few ways to take care of yourself as a writer to be revealed.
Exercise Daily
While this is something that everyone, writer or not, has heard over and over and over again, it’s true. Exercising daily is important. Whether you work in an office or at your home, the last thing you want is to pack on the weight and not be able to get it off. If you are overweight from sitting and writing all day, the key to weight loss success and keeping it off is by eating healthy and exercising regularly. Additionally, exercise can help keep your creative juices flowing as it helps de-stress and clears the mind.
Eat Balanced Meals
Every writer has done it before, often actually, you’re going to finish just one more chapter or one more sentence before you eat. The next thing you know it’s hours later and time for other obligations such as picking the kids up from school, and all you’ve eaten all day long is coffee. Not good, and not the way to get your words on paper. Instead, start with a hearty and easy breakfast and mix it up. If you always have eggs, try a delicious waffle mix for an easy change combine with a few strips of bacon and some healthy fruit. After a good breakfast, you will be surprised at how much better you feel and how much more you’ll get done.
Schedule Some “Me” Time
“Me” time is something most writers have very little time for. However, it’s important, whether it’s going to the spa for a day of pampering or just taking a long bubble bath and reading a book by your favorite author, time for yourself should be scheduled at least once a week. Your body, your mind, and your creativity will be better for it.
Proclaim What You Are to the World
If you are putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and you have stories completed when you’re done, then you are a writer. You don’t have to be published or for everyone to know who you are to be a writer. So, proclaim what you are to the world, shout it from the rooftops that you are a writer and proud to be one!
These are just a few of the ways that you can take care of yourself as a writer. Remember, writing makes you a writer and proclaiming that is a huge step as well.