Good Habits for a Writer’s Mind

Any solitary activity that requires prolonged isolation can be dangerous in the long run.

It’s something all writers hope for: a project that will capture our unbroken attention.

It’s a story or article that grips us so that even the most distracting noise will not throw us off. We seize the topic and run with it. Sometimes, we look at the clock hours later—and are still adding words to the document.

This is exciting and productive. However, is it healthy?

Any solitary activity that requires prolonged isolation can be dangerous in the long run. Are there ways to enjoy such moments while prioritizing our health?

The answer is yes. In my experience, certain practices make it easier to embrace more such writing sessions in the future.

In general, writing is therapeutic. Most creatives agree that it’s a beneficial practice for sorting through complicated emotions.

These things might be true, but we must not forget that writing can keep us in one place for a long time. Staying in one place can cause us to pick up a number of unhealthy habits.

There are different contexts, of course. When we write for ourselves, such as in diaries, we don’t feel pressured to build audiences and awe potential critics.

For those of us who write for others, hoping to win occasional contests, it is easy to “dig in” with our documents. When we begin to neglect self-care, we risk becoming exhausted—the kind of exhaustion that destroys creativity.

I have been writing for most of my life. A good amount of what I’ve written is meant for audiences. Over time, I learned to write without losing track of mental and creative health.

It’s not all sorted: I do have inevitable days when I struggle. Still, I would like to share tips on how to prioritize health and peace while enjoying creativity.

1- Get Enough Sleep

As an insomniac, I have always known that sleep impacts my work.

In order to craft perfect sentences, a mind needs rest. This applies to other art forms: painters, singers, and sculptors also need to rest. The tiniest details frustrate a creator if their mind, the source of creativity, is exhausted.

I’m aware that insomnia isn’t something you can just switch off. However, the following habits have been helpful to me:

• Get to bed at the same time each night. Eventually, your body realizes when it’s supposed to wind down.

• Be mindful of the temperature in your room (it’s difficult for me to rest if it’s too hot).

• Drink water.

• Find an over-the-counter sleep aid, like Melatonin.

Finally, don’t be hard on yourself if the work you create while sleep-deprived is subpar. It’s not something everyone can control, so give yourself grace.

Experiment with these, and other, sleep hygiene changes—until you find something that works.

2- Avoid the Comparison Trap

When writing for your own enjoyment, you’re less likely to compare your work with others. After all, the words in your diary aren’t meant to be seen.

A novelist, however, can read others’ work—and grieve that their own prose is different.

If we wish to be more specific, an author on Substack will wish they could be permanently on a leaderboard. They might wish for more followers. They might hope for constant comments on their articles.

As the clichè goes, comparison is the thief of joy. When you compare your article to another’s, you don’t have time to appreciate your own work.

What if this piece you just published is your best yet? You would miss a moment of triumph while fawning over someone else’s success!

Don’t forget, either, that ‘successful’ authors have their own challenges. They didn’t achieve success overnight. Instead of envying their large numbers, try asking them for advice! They might help you to grow your audience.

3- Take Breaks

Think about how rose bushes flourish when pruned and left alone. Creativity thrives when the artist takes time off.

How long, you might ask? It depends. This could range from half an hour, to days, to weeks off.

When you put distance between yourself and the project, you see it more clearly later—and your creativity, like that rose bush, becomes stronger.

Most importantly, your mind is enjoying a break! Don’t waste your time off. Go for a walk, enjoy a cup of tea, visit a friend.

I’ve seen people brag that they can shut themselves away with their laptops for hours. In the long run, that’s not good for mental health or creativity.

Again, let’s think like rose bushes. We need to step back, rest, and sit in the sun if we wish to create something beautiful.

4- Establish a “Writing Time”

On the other hand, some writers only reach for the pen when they feel like it—or remember it—or finally get off of TikTok.

Their work, unsurprisingly, doesn’t meet the mark. Later, these authors wonder why their work doesn’t seem to improve or attract readers. It’s not that hard: a writer ought to make the effort and show up.

Pick a time when you’ll have few distractions—no work, kids are in bed, chores are done. This could be early in the morning, or in the sleepy afternoon—whenever you’re clear-headed and surrounded by stillness.

Make your routine fun! Prepare your favorite beverage, set up a desk near a window, or go to your favorite cafè. The sky’s the limit, as long as you show up! To begin with, aim for daily writing sessions of at least 45 minutes.

Just show up. If you’re faithful to your schedule, you’ll notice improvement.

5- Read Other Books

Have you ever felt guilty because you wanted to binge-read a book instead of sitting down to write? My advice is, unless you have a deadline to meet, settle down to read. You won’t be wasting time.

Iron sharpens iron, books sharpen books.

I’m appalled by the number of writers I’ve met who admit they don’t read. It depends on circumstances, of course—but most of these people don’t avoid reading because they’ve got to work or care for their kids.

They usually don’t read, because they have other things they’d rather be doing. They don’t want to read. It’s their choice, and they’re free to make it—but there are consequences.

Such writers will usually have noticeable flaws in their technique (such as with punctuation or dialogue). Sadly, they’re unable—or unwilling—to perceive and fix these flaws.

Forget the writer’s workshops—reading is one of the surest ways to improve your craft! An editor can only do so much.

Reading books and paying attention will prepare you. If you’re an avid reader, once you sit down to write, you’ll know what a smooth chapter ‘feels’ like.

Reading is essential, so don’t brush it off! Reach for the novel that hooked you.

Conclusion

It is important, when immersed in a writing project, to establish priorities that help us improve and remain healthy.

The choices I listed above are those that worked for me. There are many others that you can adopt in order to stay healthy while writing. (If you participate in NaNoWriMo, some of these are especially helpful!)

I’m aware that I did not mention much about physical health, besides getting sleep. Caring for your actual body while writing would require a different post. This post would mention exercise, healthy eating, and stretch breaks.

Since writing is very heavy on the mind, I wanted to share what helped keep my mind clear and focused. Perhaps I will write about physical health while writing in the near future.

Feel free to drop a comment below, sharing your own tips for maintaining balance while listening to your muse!