Writer Burnout by Elaine Marie Cooper

I used to think that healthcare workers and first responders were the main victims of burnout. Too many work hours, too little sleep, often eating poorly—that, along with the stress of dealing with people’s lives. It never occurred to me that becoming a writer could lead a person to similar stressors that can result in both physical and emotional symptoms. It could even prompt a word crafter to throw in the towel and say, “Enough! I’m finished writing.”

If you think about the writing life, it sounds so peaceful. Sipping on tea at your desk with a forest view out your window, the words of inspiration flowing through your fingers. Endless calm and creativity, while royalty checks arrive in the mail daily.

If you’ve been a writer for any length of time, you are rolling your eyes at this description. We all know the writing life is far from this.

The reality is, it’s hard work. Anyone who is serious about writing, whether books, magazines, newspapers, or any other outlet for communication, knows that a writer has more than a few struggles to overcome.

Demanding work hours
Many writers do not make a living from their projects and work a “day job.” This means you might be squeezing in those creative moments in the evening or on the weekends. This can lead to nonstop work.

Not enough sleep
If you are essentially working two jobs, you are likely somewhat sleep deprived. The effects of sleep deprivation include weakening your immune system, exhausting your eye muscles, and impacting your mood and emotions.

Eating poorly
Let’s face it, long hours at a keyboard is hardly conducive to inciting enthusiasm for cooking. You just want to eat and you need it quickly so you can get back to work. Fast food will do. But several nights a week?

It impacts family
It’s hard to reason with a two-year-old who wants to play with mommy but she can’t because she has a deadline. Or with a teenager who needs dad to have the sex talk with him tonight but dad’s going to a writer’s conference and needs to create a book proposal.  Or a spouse who really wants to be with you tonight instead of going to bed alone.

Deadlines, writer’s conferences, and book proposals are the stuff of reality for those called to write. But if these demands begin to take over our very lives and relationships, perhaps we need to re-evaluate our schedules. Perhaps we need to pace our lives a bit and prioritize time off with the people who love us. Perhaps we need to pick and choose our obligations, before they overtake our lives.

Sometimes we need to say “no” to a writing project, and say “yes” to healthier living. 

"...if these demands begin to take over our very lives and relationships, perhaps we need to re-evaluate our schedules." via @elainemcooper #SeriouslyWrite

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Elaine Marie Cooper has two historical fiction books that recently released: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling.Love’s Kindling is available in both e-book and paperback. They are the first two books in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com

Self-Care for Writers by Amanda Barratt

We ran today's post in November, but had issues with our comments. To be fair to you and Amanda, we're running it again. ~ Sandy

As writers, we have advice at our fingertips about a myriad of topics. One, however, is rarely discussed, and that’s how to take care of our physical bodies as writers.

Like actors or athletes, we work in an environment that requires us to be both quantitative and qualitative. Doing those things simultaneously and doing them well, places a huge amount of stress on the physical. I learned this firsthand when, after several years of pounding out 3k a day, I developed tendon issues in my arms. For a year, I had to take a hiatus from typing, go to physical therapy, and totally redo my desk setup. This was not only difficult for me physically, but emotionally, since creating stories is such an integral part of my heart. Thankfully, I’m now able to write again and am grateful for God’s healing hand on my body. However, I now invest more time and energy into taking care of myself.

A few tips:

1. Stay hydrated – With the amount of soft drinks and caffeinated beverages available, most of us don’t drink nearly enough water. Dehydration can bring on side effects such as headaches and lack of energy, two things that can seriously stop a writer’s creative output. Experts say to drink half your weight in ounces. Personally, I try for 3 quarts a day—way more than the recommended amount for my weight. I find that when I drink less, I definitely notice a change in how I feel. I also avoid all soft drinks and only consume caffeine in limited quantities. Along with water, I love a mug of green tea. It’s full of antioxidants, plus I love how it tastes.

2. Consider an ergonomic keyboard – The keyboard on your laptop, while handy and portable, wasn’t designed with ergonomics in mind. Even if you only use an ergonomic one part-time, it can make a huge difference. A supportive desk chair with properly adjusted armrests is also a must. Another option, especially if you’re already experiencing issues, is a voice to text software like Dragon Naturally Speaking. I’m using mine right now to draft this blog post! Though it takes a learning curve and isn’t a hundred percent accurate in dictation, I love using mine, especially when I’m going to be writing a sizable chunk in a short amount of time.

3. Exercise – Before beginning any exercise program, you should of course, consult your doctor. Exercise is great on so many levels – it reduces stress, builds strength, and can be a good way to listen to your favorite podcast while still getting something accomplished. There are also exercises available to help repetitive strain injuries – I do mine every day.

4. Take breaks – At least once an hour, leave your desk and move. This gives you a break mentally, as well as physically.

5. Eat healthy – Today, more than ever, we have access to, putting it bluntly, “junk food.” Athletes stick to a healthy diet to keep their performance levels up. As a writer, I’ve committed to the same. When I make dessert, I sweeten with agave or coconut sugar, and limit the amount I consume to a couple of times a week. While you may not take it to this extreme, if you’re feeling sluggish, maybe reaching for that chocolate bar isn’t the best idea. Try a piece of fruit instead!

I love what I do and want to maximize the health God has given me to the best of my ability, so I can continue to write. I hope you’ve been inspired by some of these tips, or perhaps encouraged in what you’re already doing.

Thanks so much for having me!

Do you have anything to add to Amanda's list?

~~~~~~

ECPA bestselling author Amanda Barratt, fell in love with writing in grade school when she wrote her first story – a spinoff of Jane Eyre. Now, Amanda writes inspirational historical romance, penning stories that transport readers to a variety of locales – from the sweeping coastline of Newport, Rhode Island, to the rugged landscape of Central Texas. Her novella, The Truest Heart, finaled in the FHL Reader’s Choice Awards.

A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she lives in the woods of Michigan with her fabulous family, who kindly put up with the invisible people she calls characters.

These days, Amanda can be found reading way too many books, watching an eclectic mix of BBC dramas and romantic chick flicks, and trying to figure out a way to get on the first possible flight to England.

Self-Care for Writers by Amanda Barratt

As writers, we have advice at our fingertips about a myriad of topics. One, however, is rarely discussed, and that’s how to take care of our physical bodies as writers.

Like actors or athletes, we work in an environment that requires us to be both quantitative and qualitative. Doing those things simultaneously and doing them well, places a huge amount of stress on the physical. I learned this firsthand when, after several years of pounding out 3k a day, I developed tendon issues in my arms. For a year, I had to take a hiatus from typing, go to physical therapy, and totally redo my desk setup. This was not only difficult for me physically, but emotionally, since creating stories is such an integral part of my heart. Thankfully, I’m now able to write again and am grateful for God’s healing hand on my body. However, I now invest more time and energy into taking care of myself.

A few tips:

1. Stay hydrated – With the amount of soft drinks and caffeinated beverages available, most of us don’t drink nearly enough water. Dehydration can bring on side effects such as headaches and lack of energy, two things that can seriously stop a writer’s creative output. Experts say to drink half your weight in ounces. Personally, I try for 3 quarts a day—way more than the recommended amount for my weight. I find that when I drink less, I definitely notice a change in how I feel. I also avoid all soft drinks and only consume caffeine in limited quantities. Along with water, I love a mug of green tea. It’s full of antioxidants, plus I love how it tastes.

2. Consider an ergonomic keyboard – The keyboard on your laptop, while handy and portable, wasn’t designed with ergonomics in mind. Even if you only use an ergonomic one part-time, it can make a huge difference. A supportive desk chair with properly adjusted armrests is also a must. Another option, especially if you’re already experiencing issues, is a voice to text software like Dragon Naturally Speaking. I’m using mine right now to draft this blog post! Though it takes a learning curve and isn’t a hundred percent accurate in dictation, I love using mine, especially when I’m going to be writing a sizable chunk in a short amount of time.

3. Exercise – Before beginning any exercise program, you should of course, consult your doctor. Exercise is great on so many levels – it reduces stress, builds strength, and can be a good way to listen to your favorite podcast while still getting something accomplished. There are also exercises available to help repetitive strain injuries – I do mine every day.

4. Take breaks – At least once an hour, leave your desk and move. This gives you a break mentally, as well as physically.

5. Eat healthy – Today, more than ever, we have access to, putting it bluntly, “junk food.” Athletes stick to a healthy diet to keep their performance levels up. As a writer, I’ve committed to the same. When I make dessert, I sweeten with agave or coconut sugar, and limit the amount I consume to a couple of times a week. While you may not take it to this extreme, if you’re feeling sluggish, maybe reaching for that chocolate bar isn’t the best idea. Try a piece of fruit instead!

I love what I do and want to maximize the health God has given me to the best of my ability, so I can continue to write. I hope you’ve been inspired by some of these tips, or perhaps encouraged in what you’re already doing.

Thanks so much for having me!

Do you have anything to add to Amanda's list?

~~~~~~

ECPA bestselling author Amanda Barratt, fell in love with writing in grade school when she wrote her first story – a spinoff of Jane Eyre. Now, Amanda writes inspirational historical romance, penning stories that transport readers to a variety of locales – from the sweeping coastline of Newport, Rhode Island, to the rugged landscape of Central Texas. Her novella, The Truest Heart, finaled in the FHL Reader’s Choice Awards.

A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she lives in the woods of Michigan with her fabulous family, who kindly put up with the invisible people she calls characters.

These days, Amanda can be found reading way too many books, watching an eclectic mix of BBC dramas and romantic chick flicks, and trying to figure out a way to get on the first possible flight to England.