5 Simple Ways to Find Inner Peace as a Writer

ZEN TIP TUESDAY #31

This week for ZTT I welcome New Zealander – Maia Fletcher.  Maia’s topic of ‘5 simple ways to find inner peace as a writer’ is not one I had expected but it certainly piqued my interest and I was eager to see what she’d write.  I hope you enjoy the read!  You can find out more about Maia in her Bio at the end of the post.

If you would like to contribute your very own ‘Gem of Zen’ as part of the Zen Tip Tuesday series please go here to find out how (you might also like to visit all the Gems of Zen we have so far). I would love to hear from you!

---

Finding inner peace as a writer in this fast-paced world can be difficult. Whether it be work, bills, or the kids, there’s always something on your mind. 

As a writer, there are certain measures you should take to find internal peace. Read on to find out more about five simple ways to do so.

Declutter

A cluttered workspace reflects a cluttered mind. In other words, physical clutter will negatively affect your mental headspace when you’re writing. The environment you choose to work in is important. It may determine your productivity and the quality of your output.

Wherever you have chosen to work, strive for a minimalist approach. Only have what you need in your workspace. Eliminate both auditory and visual stimuli that may cause distractions. This could significantly compromise your productivity. Distractions may not be easily identifiable. They may include incomplete housework, the latest podcast or even your dog playing outside your window.

Spend time outdoors

Become one with nature and spend time outdoors to find inner peace as a writer. As well as providing physical health benefits, spending time outdoors will boost your mental health.

Find a scenic walk near you to recharge. There will be plenty around you, wherever in the world you live in. Spending time outside will help you appreciate mother nature’s gift and in turn, learn to focus on the present.

Follow a nutritious diet

We are all encouraged to follow a nutritious diet, but it is understandable how difficult it is for the right habits to stick. Regardless, healthy eating is in your best interest when it comes to writing. Changes in blood sugar levels may negatively affect productivity.

Rapid fluctuations in blood sugar are caused by foods high in sugar and fat. You may feel the sugar rush in the beginning, but over time, you’ll start to feel sluggish. Likewise, skipping meals will also cause a decline in blood glucose levels. If you’re having trouble finding time to cook lunch, cook extra portions at dinner time to eat as leftovers the next day.

You only get out what you put in, so fuel your body with nutritious food and in turn, feed your mind.

Take a break

Sometimes all you need is to take a break. Reset and recharge your mind every 20 minutes by disconnecting from the computer screen.

Release stress and restless energy by spending your breaks exercising. Meditate to clear your mind and promote focus.

Consider taking an extended break at the end of or before starting a large project. Head to a tropical island and unwind by the turquoise waters and white sand. Travel to underrated destinations to escape the crowds and over-tourism. Take part in fun, adrenaline-filled activities or relax on the beach.

Understand there are some things you can’t change

As much as you may like to, you can’t control everything. Take control of what you can change and at the same time, understand what you can’t.

For example, you may be given a last-minute piece to write. Instead of getting worked up about the due date and lack of time, think about what you can control. You can control how you react to said situation. Silence your inner critic.

Schedule in time you can work on writing. Think of ways you can be more efficient so you can have your work completed on time. Identify distractions that keep you from working productively and eliminate them. If required, reprioritise your workload.

Juggling your professional life and mental health isn’t easy. Unfortunately, modern society fosters distractions which contribute towards a preoccupied mind. Find your inner peace as a writer by focussing on what you can control, living a healthy lifestyle and knowing when your body needs a break.

---

 

 

MAIA FLETCHER

As a creative writer, Maia Fletcher spends most of her day typing away in front of her computer. She’s written articles for various blogs and a local shipping container site whose ingenuity inspired her to live a sustainable lifestyle. See more of Maia’s work on Tumblr.

 

 

 

---