Written by Writing Barn intern Claire Misfield
Under any Google search for stress relief, you will most likely find that one common tip is writing. While that may work for some, it may only cause more burnout for others — specifically writers.
Think about it: If you’re a writer who spends an hour or more a day creative writing, you’re hard at work professionally, not for relaxation. And that time doesn’t even include the hours you may put in writing for a full-time job.
The pandemic has made the past year crazy for all of us, and it’s been too easy to pick up habits that aren’t good for our mental health — including over-writing.
The good news: It’s never too late to start something new! Whether you’ve just submitted your first short story or you’re working on your next novel, you may find a bit of solace in these stress-reducing activities.
Get a Coloring Book.
One of the best purchases I’ve made during this pandemic has been my coloring book. While I may be biased because I chose one that’s just a bunch of dogs, I do feel like working on it when I’m stressed centers me. It’s also a great excuse to head to your local independent bookstore, like BookPeople or Lark and Owl, and see what coloring books they have available!
Pick up Painting.
This one is for everyone — even the perfectionists! There’s a lot of fun in mixing paints to find new colors then throwing it onto a canvas. If doing something abstract just isn’t your thing, there are millions of tutorials on YouTube, including lots from the legendary Bob Ros. And, at the end of it, you have a nice piece of wall art to decorate your writer’s space with.
Get in the Kitchen.
Let’s be real: The biggest benefit of this activity is the tasty snack at the end. Take some time to experiment with different foods and spices to see what you come up with. Baking is also a great option if you’re wanting something a little more sweet, like cupcakes or brownies. It’s your snack — make whatever you please!
Go for a Walk.
No materials needed for this one — all you need is a space in your neighborhood and a sunny day (or a rainy one with an umbrella!). For me, I use walking as a meditative practice because I find it hard to do it in my apartment. This can also be a great way to think out your story before putting it on the page.
Hang out With Fellow Writers.
At the end of the day, we all need community. It can’t always be a group of writers, but when it is, magic happens. You can bounce ideas off of each other, lean on one another in stressful times, and when necessary, distract yourself from your work and rest together. What makes a community of writers so amazing is the collaborative effort and accountability. So head to the next writers’ event in your city to grow your friend circle!