Spring Into Writing
Spring is in the air and, depending on where you live, this season is either in full effect or well on its way. Although writing offers the wonderful freedom to work from home, it can also make things tricky as you search for balance between ducking into the writer’s cave and getting some fresh air. It’s easy to neglect the outdoors because of a deadline, but if your reality (or goal) is that your writing is in high demand, it’s important to schedule regular outside time for vitamin D, the grounding that only nature provides, and an appreciation of the world around us.
If you’ve become ‘that writer’ – the one who’s paler than a working mime – it’s time to step outside. Below are 5 healthy ways to get your work done, while taking time out to enjoy this refreshing spring weather.
Balance: Writing Outdoors
Writers are the envy of many, if only for the sole reason of being able to work from home. But technically, we don’t work from home, we work from anywhere and everywhere. Home is one place in the world where we can get things done, and while it’s often the most convenient and controlled environment, it’s not the only answer.
If you’re in a flow, don’t interrupt it unless the curtains are on fire. But if you’re coming up for air, literally come up for air. Go outside. Switch up your surroundings. Take your laptop to an outdoor coffee shop, go to a park, or lounge poolside. Create an outdoor writing space to give balance to your indoor writing space.
Walking: Creativity Boost
The benefits of walking seem endless. Not only does walking help your body, it increases mental stimuli. A Stanford study found that walking actually boosts creativity by a significant amount. No wonder Steve Jobs was known for his walking meetings.
Put in your Bluetooth and take calls on the move. See how many coffee dates you can have on your feet. Instead of sitting down to drink your java, grab one to go and enjoy the neighborhood with a friend. Walking stimulates the mind and creates a more three-dimensional experience.
Plan: Schedule Outings
Professional writers are planners. They work from deadlines and have a daily writing schedule to get things done. When you know you’ll be in the thick of a project, schedule a stroll or hike like you would a writing session.
By planning an activity, we change our expectations and start to look forward to that event, instead of staying indoors (and most likely in front of a computer). It might be uncomfortable at first, but it will eventually become second nature to get into nature with a little consistency.
Breaks: Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management tool, but it also operates on the idea that we’re most productive with intermediate breaks. Yes, writing can be a ‘jump in and don’t stop’ process, but a lot of the work we do involves emails, research, and editing – things that don’t involve a magical flow that can’t be interrupted. When that’s the case, get up and move.
Instead of checking email, which doesn’t give your mind and eyes a break, go outside. Walk around the block to get the blood flowing and to energize your mind and body for the next mini work session. At the very least, open a window and take a deep breath.
Habits: Create Routine
We are creatures of habit, whether those habits are positive or negative. Create the routine of doing one daily activity outdoors and stay consistent. Just as you always brush your teeth after coffee, know that every day you will go outside to water your plants, walk to a nearby store, or to ride your bike.
Have a check-in with a family member each morning for ten minutes while on a stroll. Anything that grounds this outdoor routine can have a positive impact – and if you have an ‘all or nothing’ personality, remind yourself that five minutes outside every day is beneficial.
What outdoor routines and practices work for you? Reach out and let me know!
David L. Hancock, Founder
Morgan James Publishing