Serious Wednesday: Refresh Your Mind and Body

Last Wednesday, I talked a little about taking breaks. Today I wanted to mention a small way you can do this--even daily. 

One of the best ways is to do schedule daily breaks each day. I know it's hard, when writing, to interrupt that flow of inspiration. But, in my opinion, it's necessary. I'm not saying you have to stop in the middle of a scene or chapter, or wherever. I have no certain spot where you rigidly need to stop, but I do strongly recommend breaks. Only you can decide where those will be.

As for me, I like to finish an inspired thought (scene) before taking that break. If you need to stop for a few minutes to straighten out in your mind certain aspects of that scene, do it. Get up and move around. Do a chore that won't take long. Step outside and stroll or even sit in a favorite chair. Take a fifteen-minute nap. Play with your pet or children for five minutes or so. Walk up and down the stairs a few times. Sing (it's good for you!) Stretch. Do a couple exercises. 

It doesn't really matter WHAT you do. It's that you DO something other than write, giving your mind (and body) a brief rest. They say that a twenty-minute workout that gets your heart pumping gives you the exercise you need and refreshes your body and mind, aiding anything that ails you. 

Physically and mentally, this tip will help keep you on top of the world as far as writing goes. We all need breaks in life. Be sure to take YOURS!