It happens to the best of writers. Feeling emotionally and physically drained while writing is a frustrating dilemma. The ways to defeat writer's fatigue are endless, but we have outlined just a few to get you started back on the path to writing.
Warning signs of those experiencing writer’s fatigue can include:
• Lack of productivity and creativity
• Irritability and negativity toward your writing
• Rewriting sentences to avail of feeling satisfied with the content
• Headaches, extreme tiredness and boredom while writing
Now you need to focus on curing the previous symptoms because you can't get back on track without addressing this serious writer's issue. Here are some tips that exhausted writers can use to defeat writer's fatigue:
1. Exercise – Working out is beneficial for the mind and body. Your blood circulates more and thoughts become clearer. Just be sure stretch your muscles and take a shower before writing again.
2. Have a Power Nap – A quick 30-minute nap can make quite the difference in your mood. Resting can open your mind up and raise a positive attitude. The little burst of energy earned from the nap will also give the extra push to write better.
3. Change of Scenery – Sometimes moving your writing space to a different area will inspire more ideas. Just be sure that the new area is not distracting you away from your main purpose.
4. Communicate – Bounce off ideas with friends and other fellow writers. Getting another person’s perspective will help free your thoughts that seem to be running around in a constant circle in your head.
5. Divide and Conquer – Break down the time spent during a writing session. Periodically get up every couple of hours and walk around to release joint and muscle stress.
6. Schedule – Identify the best times of day when you are the most proactive with writing. Keeping a routine will create a writing habit that will help you separate writing time with other daily tasks.
7. Coffee Break – Take a moment to step away from your writing and enjoy some caffeine. Be sure to limit your use so you are not dependent on the substance when you start to feel worn down.
8. Read a Book – As a writer it would seem logical that reading would be a hobby of yours. Spend time reading a favorite book to invigorate your love for literature. This will create a positive outlook that can give you the inspiration needed to keep writing and defeat writer's fatigue
9. Eliminate Distractions – Sometimes the greatest enemy of writing is closer than you think. Having the TV on or a different attention-grabbing object will prevent you from writing to your fullest extent.
10. Keep Writing – Brainstorm ideas on a sheet of paper. Jot down drafts and highlight the parts that you can use. No matter how meager the writing it can keep pushing you toward your goal.
Writer’s fatigue is a serious matter that can greatly affect your health, therefore, be sure to keep track of physical/mental breakdown warning signals. If the exhaustion of writing pushes you close to your limit then take time away from writing to refocus on yourself. Listen to what your body is saying before heading back to that computer or paper. Jumping too soon back into writing can lead to negative health consequences that should be avoided.
