Writing is beautiful—but let’s be honest—it can also be lonely, frustrating, and exhausting. Today, I’m sharing 10 ways to protect your peace, reset your brain, and keep those words flowing.
1. Give Yourself Time
Take a look at your calendar. Is there something—anything—you can say no to? Not forever, just for now. You’re allowed to claim time for yourself, even if it’s just a quiet morning or an afternoon with no responsibilities. Rest isn’t a reward—it’s a requirement.
2. Wander
Sometimes the best thing you can do for your story—or your stress—is to walk away from it. Literally. Take a walk, a drive, or even wander through a museum or bookstore. Give your brain space to breathe. Fresh air and movement can unlock more creativity than hours of forced writing ever will.
3. Wonder
Push your brain into curiosity mode. Get away from your plot and be curious about something else. Watch a nature documentary, explore history or art, listen to a podcast that has nothing to do with writing. Wonder is fuel for creativity—and it reconnects you to the joy of learning.
4. Unplug
We’re big on writing rituals—candles, playlists, or maybe the perfect coffee mug. but do you have an un-writing ritual? Unplugging means getting away from any of those items that send data to your brain (from your TV to your phone apps)- get away from that and let your mind relax. Try a hot bath, music without lyrics, a meditation app, or just sitting outside and doing…nothing.
5. Try the 4-7-8 Breathing Technique
Breathe in for 4 counts, hold it for 7, exhale for 8. Do that a few times, and you’ll feel your whole system reset.
6. Connect with Other Writers
We all need community, not just to talk shop and commiserate about the things it takes to be a writer but to also just be human and connect with new friends.
7. Take a News Break
In The 4-Hour Work Week, Tim Ferriss suggests cutting out the news entirely—and he’s not wrong. The daily news cycle can be overwhelming and distracting, especially if you’re already managing a lot emotionally. If you’re constantly feeling drained, try taking a break from the headlines. You don’t have to be uninformed—but you can be intentional.
8. Give Yourself Permission to Write something terrible
I hear a lot of writers say they get stressed as they write because they’re worried about their story. First drafts are not for perfection—they’re for exploration. Don’t expect perfection on the first try. Let it be messy. Let it be weird. Edit later. So lower the pressure, and just get it down.
9. Give Yourself Permission to Be Creative
Not just as a writer—but as a whole person. Paint. Dance. Bake weird cookies. Rearrange your bookshelves by color. Creativity isn’t limited to words on a page. The more playful you are in other areas, the more fearless you’ll be when you come back to your writing.
10. Find Places That Feed Your Creativity
This might be a quiet corner of your local library, a busy coffee shop, a trailhead, or even your own backyard. Notice where you feel most like you. Spend time there. Let that space refill your creative tank—not with pressure to produce, but with permission to imagine.