How Can I Write Right Now?
I’m really struggling to write this week. Like most people, I’m filled with uncertainty and pernicious low-level anxiety. How can I write when I’m trying to process how worried I should be right now? With everything going on with family and friends, writing feels like the last thing I should be doing.
Stress eating on the other hand – I’m all in! Why? I have no idea – I’m just telling myself that it’s normal.
Intellectually, I know worrying is pointless and yet my mind keeps drifting away from my work and into the bottomless chasm of “but what if, what if, what if?”
And there’s the siren call of continual news updates. Seriously? Will checking in to discover that 28 cases have become 29 change anything for me? Not really, it’s just going to add to my anxiety.
So here’s how I’m attempting to keep the jitters at bay and stay productive during these strange times. Please feel free to join me!
Try to stick to your usual writing schedule even when you don’t feel like it.
Give yourself a reality check – stopping writing actually doesn’t serve or help anybody.
Remind yourself that staying focused and busy on a project helps diminish anxiety.
Limit the amount of time looking at News Updates and Social Media – there’s staying informed - and then there’s becoming overwhelmed with doom and gloom.
When you can’t write – you can read! Or research and plan.
Don’t be too hard on yourself – sometimes your productivity is up, sometimes it’s down. Remind yourself that your flagging productivity won’t last forever.
Frequently remind yourself that this situation isn’t forever. Even if we’re not sure when – it will inevitably change.
Do something nice for the other writers you know.
And if none of these work for you, you can also try keeping productive by…
Writing a daily journal entry about the situation you’re in.
Create a project that makes the most of this situation.
Connecting with other writers and discussing how weird it all is at the mo…
Want to be a more productive writer? Dive into our brand new book! Check it out here.
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