Feeling Uninspired? 3 Simple Self-Care Strategies for Your Writing Practice
I frequently host webinars about the writing life, and yield all sorts of questions from participants. In one of these webinars, I was asked, “what topics do you see trending lately?”
“Um… fascism?” I responded.
Sure, there are others, but that’s the headlight shining in my eyes. I couldn’t see anything else going on. I was in Florida at the time for my mom’s birthday, avoiding snow in New York at the end of January, and my mind was swirling with all that was going on politically and culturally.
In those times when it’s hard to focus on anything, I want to remind you of your tools for self-care. You have to drop the oxygen masks in your own plan. Action can only come from strength.
Meditation
In 2020, when the world felt as fraught as it has for the past six years, I started A Very Important Meeting, my meditation and writing group. Everyone was isolated, attention was being pulled in a million directions, and it seemed like no one was writing.
I’ve led countless meditations since, and was even inspired to get my official certification through The Path. I decided to invest in it because I realized how powerful meditation is.
Expressive Writing
One of the most accessible tools for finding calm might already be in your hands: writing. Expressive writing has been shown to reduce anxiety, mediate symptoms of depression, and relieve post-traumatic stress. When you write about what’s troubling you, you’re taking the chaos in your mind and giving structure.
Try this technique: set a timer for fifteen minutes and write freely about whatever’s weighing on you. Don’t censor yourself. Simply let the words flow.
Community
I heard once in A Very Important Meeting that a member drove two hours to have lunch with another while she was visiting a city nearby. My heart could not have been more warmed! Fuzzies activated.
Take a moment to reach out to two friends and ask them how they’re doing in this tumultuous time. Let them know you love them.
Or potato chips.
There’s always potato chips.
