First the announcements:
On January 28, UK Writers Hub named KathySteinemann.com one of the 50 Best Writing Blogs.
On the same day, 1976 Write featured my site as one of the 70 Best Websites for Writers 2019.
I’d like to thank Georgi, Helen, and the other folks behind the scenes at both sites.
And now, the gist of this post:
If you’re reading this, you’re probably a writer who enjoys what you do. (If you don’t enjoy writing, maybe you should reexamine your career choice.)
Maybe you write every moment you can.
But …
How can you describe a sunset if you never gaze at the panorama of colors that span the sky while day surrenders to night? How can you understand human dynamics if you avoid people? How can you articulate the velvety tickle of grass on bare feet if you remain hidden in your writing lair?
Which is more important?
- Your daily walk, or staring at your WIP and stressing over a plot hole?
- A family potluck dinner, or writing another chapter in your novel?
- Preparing a healthy meal, or writing “just 1000 more words” while you shovel junk food into your gullet?
- Paying the rent on time, or doing another round of edits?
- Going to bed before midnight, or staying up all night writing?
- Sitting in front of your computer for umpteen hours, or getting up every thirty minutes to stretch your legs?
Sometimes you require a change of pace.
No matter how much you enjoy your craft, your brain needs an occasional rest to refresh itself and interact with the environment.
Note that I’m talking about a rest, not procrastination.
Some writers become their own worst enemies. An unhealthy lifestyle, lack of sleep, sedentary activities, and isolation cause stress. Stress affects the brain—that complex organ you need to write well; chronic stress triggers atrophy and death of brain cells, resulting in poor memory and inefficient learning.
A few other problems exacerbated by stress include:
- Asthma
- Overweight
- Diabetes
- Headaches
- Depression
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Alzheimer’s
- Premature aging
There is a better way.
Open your eyes to the world around you. Enjoy your life. Learn from it. Justify a break in your routine as essential brain therapy.
No guilt—you deserve it.
… and now the segue …
Starting on Sunday, I’m taking a sanity break by stepping away from social media, blogging, and writing, as well as website and computer issues
While I’m gone, I’ll study people and places. I’ll jot down ideas, or text them to myself. I’ll enjoy sunsets, birds winging their way across the sky, family interactions, and healthy meals. Maybe I’ll even walk barefoot in the grass, if I can find any.
After my mini vacation, I’ll write a new blog post for February 20.
See you then, folks!
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Great advice – I’m a classic for sitting at my laptop for hours on end. just bought myself a health tracker so it gives me a buzz every so often to get up off my ass
A health tracker: what a good idea, Simone! I use a small electronic timer to remind me to get up.
Thanks for stopping by.
So well written (as always).
Enjoy your well deserved break.
Eamon
Thanks, Eamon!
This is so true. I added ‘dog walking’ to my daily routine for exactly this reason. Look forward to what you have to say on Feb. 20th!
Thanks, Jacqui! For those who aren’t allergic, “cat stroking” is a good add as well.
Your accolades are well deserved. Every time I write I review your books as they are an invaluable reference source for me. I will miss receiving your blogs but I look forward to your return knowing that you’ll be refreshed and your new blogs will be chocked full of information. Enjoy your respite.
Thanks, René!
Thank you for all of your advice.
Wishing you a wonderful break and that you return as enthusiastic and helpful as ever.
Thanks, Zara!
Great idea, Kathy. I’ve done this a few times over the years and always return refreshed and with improved work habits.
Your most recent break yielded excellent results. Thumbs up, Stuart.
Do we put too much emphasis on writing every day? The writing process is more than plunking on a keyboard or scratching words onto paper.
Enjoy!.
I decided a couple of years ago to move my laptop off the table and perch it on the window-ledge. It’s on a couple of books (for height… I never use Rogets any more anyway; online’s easier).
I’m not sitting all day and I get to look at the fields through the window when I raise my eyes from the keyboard (a separate keyboard, by the way’ I like a small laptop but prefer a full-size keyboard with a number pad. It’s set, around elbow height, atop a couple of storage trays on a side table).
The downside is I get to look at the fields through the window when I raise my eyes, but it’s not as distracting as my inbox. (Right now, I should be practicing my harmonies for singing group this afternoon.)
sometimes I might unplug and take the laptop to work at the table, but my battery runs down after a while, so I don’t get to stay there too long.
And then there’s walking the dogs – compulsory.
So do you stand while you write, Cathy? I have an adjustable desk that allows me to stand or sit–but no gorgeous view. Sometimes I leave my writing area, go to the kitchen window, and watch the birds while I’m mulling over new ideas. We also live close to a system of excellent walking trails. Nothing beats getting out into nature, right?
Hooray for taking a time out! For sure you deserve it. I hope you travel to some interesting places, see things you never saw before, meet neat people, eat weird (but tasty) food, hear new sounds and smell fresh fragrances.
Most of all, I hope you toss off your shoes, walk in the grass and feel the cool, little blades tickling your toes. Have a fun and happy time!
…hugs from Lenny
Thanks, Lenny. We’re experiencing a cold snap right now. I might have to travel a bit to find that grass. Hmm …