Wondering what I am talking about?
Okay, let me start off with an incident that took place last week. A friend of mine had to submit a manuscript the day after a heavy session the night before. Drink after drink, lots of food, partying late into the night; in short – the typical weekend party. The after-effect was a sad manuscript, and an even sadder rejection! The point is – always write when you are healthy and fit, both mentally as well as physically – and yes that includes when you’re sober(ish). There are few tips I would like to give you on the basis of my personal experiences:
Write healthy
I never think that just because you are high on drugs, creativity comes naturally. Actually, I feel quite the contrary. If you think that after a drink or two, you might write better, then think twice. You might just crash and burn, or worse still, you might just write something that is destined to be rejected. The same goes for too much sugar, excessive caffeine or even too much food!
Though writing under such conditions might come naturally to some, to me it does not! Actually, I strongly feel that it would hardly work for anyone. If I’ve got to meet a deadline, take care of my family and have a healthy social life at the same time, I would rather live healthy and write in a healthy state of mind.
Water, water everywhere, not a drop to drink?
I admit it, I drink more coffee and aerated drinks than I drink water in a day. And trust me, the more you feel great about it, results in your system feeling even worse. Try substituting your glass of soda or cup of coffee with pure, fresh drinking water. Keep a bottle of water handy and near the table where you write. Not only will it do wonders for your body and skin, but you’ll feel energized during writing.
Never skip breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You do not want to miss it for anything – even if it means delaying your work! Trust me, it will help you to start the day in a healthy manner, and also help you deal with any pressure through the entire day. Eat smaller meals during the rest of the day, and try healthy snacks in-between. In fact, skipping breakfast is a great way to train your body to store fat, and I’m sure you don’t want that!
Exercise
Get up from that chair where you have been sitting for ages! A small walk in the park will do wonders for you, reviving some of those ideas that seem to be buried under those mental cobwebs. Exercise helps you to feel refreshed, and helps you clear writers block. Get yourself enrolled in a gym and work the stress of there and for goodness sake make sure you get enough sleep. Don’t sacrifice your sleep to meet deadlines.
Remember, stay healthy and see how your writing quality improves.
Great tips! I especially like that you included get enough sleep. So much advice these days leans towards just get up earlier, you’ll get more done. I don’t know how other people do it, but I can’t cut out sleep to get more hours in my day, it just makes me less efficient, tired, and not feeling great. Sleep more, work better!