Most people who work from home experience burnout from time to time. And the thing is, burnout can be avoidable. Are you tired of being tired? Are you over everything and everyone in your life? Does the prospect of writing another word or taking on another story make you sick?
If you’ve had enough of stress ruling your life, now is the time to get it under control. Check out these five writer self-care tips from Writer’s Workout to bust stress and avoid burnout:
1. Check Your Living Environment
Writers often spend a lot of time working and carrying on everyday life in their homes. Your living environment must meet not only your needs but also a place that rejuvenates you and sparks creativity.
If your home is not playing a part in your overall wellness, it is time to make some changes. Consider bringing in some houseplants to your living space to make it feel brighter and freshen up the air. Tackle the clutter building on counters and the floors, bring in lamps to light up dark spaces and take down your blinds to let in natural light.
Your workspace should be inviting, comfortable, and free from distraction. Make sure you have a desk that allows you to have all your equipment, provides room to spread out, and helps you remain free of clutter. Invest in an ergonomic chair that keeps you comfortable and sitting correctly. And if you want to refresh your home, start with your workspace by adding colors and decorating that bring your peace and joy.
2. Eat Well and Drink Water
Everything that you put into your body matters. Eating well and staying well hydrated will do the following:
Boosts your immune system
Give you energy
Manages your mood
Improves focus
Try to make sure your daily diet consists of whole fruits, vegetables, proteins, seeds, nuts, and whole grains. And don't forget to drink lots of water and ensure you get the vitamins and minerals your body needs every day.
3. Exercise Every Day
Exercise is a pillar for a well-rounded, healthy life. Not only can it get you in shape and keep your energy up, but it is sure to brighten your mood and relieve stress. Whether you take a brisk walk, do a yoga class, follow a HIIT routine, go for a run, and take a kickboxing class, moving your body for at least 30 minutes a day will be sure to transform your day.
4. Unplug Regularly
Almost all writers nowadays spend most of their waking hours in front of a digital screen for research or writing. Consider your hours in front of the screen. Think about the time you spend on social media, using a phone, watching TV, checking email, online shopping, and so forth.
For your mental health and to ensure that you enjoy your real life, take regular electronic breaks. This can mean you take planned days or hours to unplug. At a minimum, follow the 20-20-20 rule, which is where you set a timer that will remind you to look away from your screens every 20 minutes, at an object 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds.
5. Start a Worry Journal
If you find your mind inundated with worries and anxieties, consider starting a worry journal. This is a space to alleviate your mind from the things that weigh you down. Once you put pen to paper, you may find that the worry doesn’t seem so bad after you’ve processed it into words. You may also find that you can release the stress you have just by writing them out.
If you find yourself overworked, uninspired, tired, or stressed, it’s time to take action to bring some joy and peace back to your days. Try to improve your mental health by revamping your living environment, improving your diet, starting a new fitness routine, regularly unplugging, getting out your worries in a journal, or doing anything else that may improve your outlook on life!
About the Author: Emma Grace Brown lives her life by her rules; and it works! When she's not snuggling puppies, Emma promotes female empowerment through her website. Her mission is to help those who live with self-doubt to realize they don't have to mold themselves to conventionality.