Burnout

Last night I made a contract in my journal. No more active writing after six. I define active writing as working on a manuscript. I also refuse to query (my least favorite thing about being a writer) after six. What was acceptable? Answering emails, brainstorming and journaling. If I wanted. If I chose.It’s easy for a writer (or any artist) to reach burnout since writing is usually what they do for fun and work. Here are some places I don’t feel the call to work and can just relax:

·         Bubble bath (unfortunately my bath tub is broke. I mean it’s fine if you want to lie in one inch of water)

·         Massages (my gym has a Zen Den with massage chairs. They. Are. Amazing. They massage every part of  you including your hands and legs. It’s very satisfying.

·         Working out. I like pushing myself in an area completely unrelated way to writing. Physically, it feels good. I tend to start with the treadmill then migrate over to the bike. And three days of the week I have classes. I love the feeling of getting toned, even though I don’t appear to be losing any weight. I’m also hoping to develop an ass from all those squats.

·         I don’t read much during the day because I’m so busy writing and being tired from writing. But I usually wake up at least once in the middle of the night to get water. I will read about 20 minutes while I sip my water. I don’t know, it’s one of the most peaceful parts of the day. Just me and that’s okay.

·         Make plans with a friend. I love last minute plans. Just let me grab my leather jacket and lets go.

·         Keep my boyfriend company while he makes dinner. Justin is a phenomenal cook maybe because his father was a famous chef or maybe just from sheer talent. He cooks me all these elaborate dishes and I keep him company, sometimes reading him stories off Reddit which we both love.

·         Play. I have a post coming out on the importance of play, which is something to get back into.

Bottom line: you don’t always have to be productive. Or sometimes you are productive without even knowing it. But you can’t be productive if  you are burned out. So consider making a relaxing list of your own. Thoughts? Leave them below.