Not everyone has the opportunity to write in a stress-free environment. Sometimes the daily routine can present various obstacles and this makes it difficult to concentrate. For a creative person, stress can lead to the loss of creativity itself.
If you are a writer, you probably know very well what they are talking about. Sometimes stress can drain you and make you feel exhausted when you try to write, causing you to become unproductive as you try to pursue the goals you set yourself in writing your manuscript. If you are looking for tips for writing under stress, consider the following steps.
Steps
Step 1. Try to make the most of the situation you are in by ignoring the distractions that surround you and that irritate you
If you work better in total silence, go to a place where you can find the peace you need. If there is no background noise, you will be able to feel at ease and acquire the right mindset to be able to pursue your goals. Even putting some music at low volume can help you isolate yourself from the noises around you. Try listening to the sounds of the ocean (you can find them on YouTube, just write "ocean sound").
Step 2. Use deep breathing or meditation techniques
Take weekly yoga classes, go for a walk or create a Zen garden. These techniques will help you relax and, consequently, will help you in the writing process in a quiet environment, you just need to get rid of external noises and other disturbing elements.
At the same time you can decide to learn a martial art, it can help you focus in a disciplined manner on what you are doing
Step 3. Consider the idea of relying on Feng Shui
Feng Shui is the Chinese art of making a house or room more welcoming by changing the arrangement of furniture and objects. With Feng Shui you can make the place where you write more pleasant and quiet. You will be able to feel much more comfortable in an organized room, and you may even find the inspiration you were looking for.
Consider the idea of decorating and personalizing the environment in which you write to make it pleasant and relaxing. Place scented candles, incense and unique home decor items to create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere that helps you forget your worries and focus on writing, even under stress
Step 4. Go away
When stress grips you to the point of not allowing you to concentrate, the best idea is to get away from work for a while and take a break. Make yourself a cup of hot tea, or take a breath of fresh air. Don't think about what you have to write or other commitments. Focus on releasing the stress you are feeling. When you have relaxed, you will be able to return to writing more steadily.
Step 5. Write a list of main topics you want to address in your paper
It will help you focus on the main ideas and remember them better, so you don't forget them during the day.
Step 6. Get inspired by what you've already written
A great way to approach the idea of writing under stress is to reread what you have already written and look for ideas to continue. If you've worked on a novel or short story series in the past, you can reread them and continue imagining new stories as a means of managing stress. This way you won't have to think about new ideas, and you can complete unfinished work. Set goals and set deadlines. This way your mind will focus more on completing than creating, which will allow you to write under stress.
Step 7. Use a few tricks
A writer should never be ashamed of using small tricks to motivate himself. When you write under stress, you can get help from something that occupies your mind to a lesser extent, such as low-volume music or television, or a drinking fountain.
Step 8. Take it easy if you haven't written in a while
If you find yourself writing after a long break, give yourself some time to be able to get back to work without stress. It may take some time to pick up the thread and you can't be creative when running. If you fail to accomplish the more difficult goals you set for yourself you may end up getting depressed and stressed out even more, but that will only compromise your job, so stay calm and take it easy.
Step 9. Use colors to your advantage
Even the color of the walls can change your mood, so it's time to paint! Wall color can stimulate or inhibit your mood in general, here are some suggestions.
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If you want to feel happy, consider painting the walls light yellow. Yellow is a color that immediately makes you feel better! It's like filling the room with sunshine!
Write While Under Stress Step 9Bullet1 - If you're looking to get creative, go for a plum or burgundy color. They are colors capable of inspiring new ideas, perfect for artists and writers.
- Do you want to feel more motivated? Choose green. Green is reminiscent of nature and the outdoors, so it is able to make you feel more energetic.
- If your goal is to calm down, then blue is better. Blue is the best color for studying, it will help you focus.
- If the room is dark, consider painting it in bright colors, and putting up posters with natural landscapes and outdoor scenarios. They can be your "window" to an inspiring view.
Step 10. If stress is causing you anger rather than fatigue or vulnerability, use it to "get on fire" and write about a subject you are particularly passionate about
Writing can be therapeutic, and if you use stress to your advantage, it will disappear under your fingers as you write. You may be surprised at how well you write even when you feel too stressed to do so. It is enough just to distract yourself from the cause of stress and learn to use that negative energy in something positive. It takes some practice, but it's not impossible.
Step 11. Avoid drinking fizzy or sugar-laden drinks, they only get you over-excited and nervous
They will not help you focus on what you are doing, in fact, they will probably make you de-focus more easily.
Step 12. Eat healthy
Food affects your ability to focus on what you write. Eat foods like blackberries, yogurt, and oats. Coffee and tea in moderate doses can help, even if they contain caffeine, a substance that can over-excite you if you drink too much. Choose decaffeinated or decaffeinated varieties if you plan to drink them day and night.
Step 13. Try to get out of the house
Go to a quieter place, like the library or a café that is willing to welcome customers for a long time. You can go outside the house to escape from domestic distractions and to find new inspiration from people going about their daily activities.
- The library is perhaps the best place to go to write for a long time. Plus you can find a lot of inspiration, and motivate yourself by seeing others doing the same thing you do. Use the library to find helpful information and direct references, something that is difficult to do at home.
- Consider the idea of writing outdoors, if time permits. You can go to a park, by a lake, etc. These places can be very inspiring, especially if you can find the peace and calm you need to be able to write.
Advice
- Sometimes taking a nap or meditating can help relieve pre-writing stress.
- Reading before writing can avoid the accumulation of stress and inspire you in what you write!
Warnings
- Avoid drinking alcohol and / or taking drugs. These substances will not help you relieve stress and will negatively impact your life.
- Avoid visiting violent or conflict-ridden places. Stay away from people who might bother you.
- Avoid eating or drinking things that can over-excite you (such as energy drinks or coffee), otherwise it will be even more difficult for you to write, and at some point you will feel the reverse effects caused by abstinence from these substances.
