This writing thing is hard, folks. Although it can be great fun and rewarding, it can also be stressful and draining. No matter how you’re feeling about the process at this time, be sure you’re practicing self-care to get you through the ups and downs.

Not sure why this is important? Sometimes self-care means giving yourself a break and not expecting so much to be accomplished by just you. Sometimes it means pushing yourself to do what’s not comfortable by digging into the difficulties of life. Giving yourself time and space as well as an extra push forward can be greatly beneficial.

Here’s a few practices I’ve found helpful over the years whether you’re experiencing an up or down:

• Write a list of reasons you love about your writing
• Create a pin-up board of all your goals
• Finish or start the day with affirmations
• Watch some booktube
• Write a list of reasons you love your CPs/Betas
• Write another new / short project
• Read something (Be it a published or beta book)
• Take a break for a week or month or how ever long you need
• Set a deadline and complete your next goal
• Buy some new accessories (maybe a bullet journal, ipad, etc.)
• Focus on another activity (ex: kitting, drawing, running)
• Spend your time helping a friend
• Start or keep up with your blog
• Reduce social media time if need be
• Research / outline another project
• Partake in word sprints with friends
• Print out and shred the documents you don’t like
• Frame your favorite lines
• Give yourself gold star stickers for achievements
• Email or text a writer friend for support

No matter what you’re going through–joy, frustration, sadness, confusion, bliss, excitement, worry–take the time to care for your needs and focus on your mental well-being. By resting or jumping into exactly what you need to do, hopefully you’ll find yourself recharged, refocused, and ready to write.

What self-care methods do you find helpful?

Source: You Are What You Write