Sometimes you’ll find it necessary to take a break from writing your novel. Most people don’t realize that writing a novel is essentially another job. If you already have a job outside the home, are going to school, or are a full-time homemaker, writing a novel is like having a second job. And that job can be physically, mentally and emotionally draining.

Physical Exhaustion

Who would have thought that sitting at a desk, typing for a couple hours could be so tiring? We writers know this kind of tired first hand. Your hands cramp up, your back aches, your eyes feel dry and scratchy for staring at that darn screen for too long.

To keep yourself fit and ready to write your next ten novels try these steps to take care of your body:

  • Take a stretch break every 30 minutes or so. This means getting up from your chair, so don’t just sit there.
  • Focus your eyes on something in the distance periodically.
  • Remember to breathe deeply. Oxygen does your brain good.
  • Get some kind of physical exercise each day. Even taking a short walk around the block is good for you.

Mental Exhaustion

Trying to wring the perfect words out of your brain can also be exhausting. Pulling from your creative well day after day can run that well dry after a while. Restock it with these activities:

  • Take a walk and try NOT to think about your novel. Immerse yourself in the sensory experience of your environment. Any physical activity will work for this, even cleaning the house or washing your car.
  • Go to a play, visit a museum, or listen to a concert. Activities that stimulate your creativeness with things other than words are helpful.
  • Be creative with something other than words, like coloring a picture, painting, scrapbooking (those this uses some words), woodworking, or knitting.
  • Goof off. One of my favorite break activities is playing online role-playing games (MMORPGs). Interacting in a different world gives a much needed break from my story world.

Emotional Exhaustion

The third kind of exhuastion that can strike a writer is emotional. You live your characters’ lives with each word you type. That includes their emotional ups and downs. Riding that rollercoaster with them can drain you of energy.

Try these activities to get yourself back on an even footing:

  • Meditate. You can use a specific meditation practice or just sit quietly by yourself and endeavor not to think. I like to do this outside in the sunshine.
  • Get into your car, shut the doors and scream. Or cry. Or yell. Express the emotions that may be surging inside you.
  • Take a nap. They aren’t just for small children anymore. A power nap or a long afternoon snooze can help restore your equilibrium.

Writing can be a lot more tiring than most people imagine, but using some of these suggestions you can help get yourself back into writing shape quickly.

What do you use to recharge physically, mentally or emotionally?

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