Rx for Writers: Mark's Resource Roundup

Mark Bedard
Oct 27, 2017
2 min read

As writers, we tend to get lost in our craft and forget to take care of yourself. This is the number one reason for writer burnout. Here’s a handy checklist for self-care for writers:

Drink plenty of water. It will sustain you.
Seek the advice of others.
Be humble. It’s okay to be proud of what you wrote, but don’t let yourself get a big head over it.
Celebrate your victories. Give yourself an extra cookie when you finish that super difficult scene.
Take frequent breaks. Set a timer.
Get some sleep. You’d be surprised how much this affects your writing. (Power naps!)
Put your human needs before your writing needs. Have a life.
Pace yourself – if you work too much in a day, you’ll get writing burnout.
Listen to inspiring music.
Keep your energy levels up with protein, sleep, and sometimes caffeine.
Build yourself up with an inspiring note on your bathroom mirror and/or computer screen.
Confide in your fellow writer-friends. They can relate to your struggles.
When you’re not writing, keep active. Go for walks, swim, etc.
Wear your favorite clothes. It boosts your confidence.
Create a writing routine.
Write down all your ideas. Whether it’s an actual notebook or a document on your phone, write everything interesting that comes to mind, lest you lose it later.
Get a massage. It gets you out of your head and grounds you in your body.