Catch Your Second Wind

Do you write and write until you can’t write anymore? As a writer, it is of utmost importance that you remember to refill your well. Continuous writing without a break usually leads to a big old nasty writing rut. And once you’re all written out, it can be very difficult to get unstuck.

It’s so easy to keep writing, telling yourself the entire time that you can’t afford to stop for a break. Maybe you’re running on a tight deadline and you’ve scheduled too many jobs into your calendar. Regardless of what excuse you’re trying to make to talk yourself out of a break, the fact is, you need one.

Why You Have To Stop

If all you can find are excuses as to why you can’t stop for a break, let me help you out. Here are some of the most important reasons why you must stop now before you burn out.

Your brain needs a break.

Do you remember when you were in school and you had a week of big exams? Tensions ran high, nerves were frayed, and by the time the testing was finished, everyone was mentally exhausted. Working is no different.

When you write non-stop, you exhaust your mental resources. Your brain begins to shut down on you because it’s had enough. That’s why you feel frustrated and irritated. Need a word, but you just can’t seem to call it forth? It sits on the tip of your tongue, then when you’re finally disgusted at yourself for not being able to think of it, you replace it with another one. Your brain is trying to tell you it needs a break.

Your body needs rest.

Your mind is not the only thing affected by your long hours. The grueling, unending days of constant writing takes its toll on your body, too. Long hours at the computer with few breaks can lead to potential health risks, like DVT (deep vein thrombosis–clot forming deep within the veins).

Nearly everyone who keeps long hours at a computer or desk admit that they take very few breaks and drink very little water, especially if they are working from home. Writing from home, you feel like you can get more done if you just keep your butt in the chair and write. But that is not necessarily true.

How To Catch Your Second Wind

If you write nonstop and you’ve felt a little stressed out lately, listen to the warning signs your body and mind are trying to send you. You have to take care of your body if you want to continue doing what you love–writing. You need to catch your second wind.

If taking frequent breaks scares you, let me reassure you that it will not cut down on  your productivity. If anything, I’m positive once you incorporate breaks into your writing routine, you will notice an increase in the quality and quantity of your writing. Start applying some of these tips and let me know what you notice.

Tips For Writing Breaks

• Take a 15-minute break every 2-3 hours.
• Bring a bottle of water with you to your desk. (This will force you to get up from your desk and take potty breaks.)
• Write in bursts (30-minutes or 1-hour at a time).
• Write something just for fun.
• Make a "sandwich call" to a writing buddy. (Call before you begin writing, then when you finish.)
• Install a reminder or time management software on your computer to prompt your breaks.