Healthy Habits for Writers

It’s a brand new year, and chances are you’ve set some writing-based resolutions for yourself. Maybe your goal is to hit a certain word count in a day, or you’re committed to finally finishing that book you’ve been working on for years. Making goals and resolutions is always great, but it’s really easy to set goals, put all of your energy into reaching those goals, and totally ignore your own mental and physical health.

The reality is, it’s not sustainable to keep such a frenetic pace. While those around you might encourage you to keep pushing until you reach your goal, too often that leads to burnout. When you’re burnt out, your creativity is totally gone, your motivation is tapped, and regardless of how much you want to keep pushing to reach your goals, you get to a place where your body simply doesn’t let you push anymore.

So this year, make those audacious goals and dream big, but be sure to include time for self-care so you can end the year feeling accomplished, not completely exhausted and drained. With that in mind, here are a few healthy habits you can work to implement into your daily routine to make this year a rewarding and healthy one.

Drink More Water

I know, I know, I can feel you rolling your eyes from here. But making sure our bodies are properly hydrated can really go a long way. Drinking water isn’t going to fix every ailment you’ve got, but think of how much water you drink in a day (not coffee or soda, just plain water). For most of us, it’s not much at all. Making an active choice to reach for a glass of water instead of another cup of coffee, an energy drink, or soda can really help how you feel overall. And if self-care doesn’t come naturally to you, this is a really simple, low-effort way to start. 

Prioritize Sleep 

This one is easier said than done, especially because the amount of sleep we get often isn’t up to us thanks to things like work schedules, children, deadlines, or even just our body’s inability to sleep well. But working to reframe our thinking and realizing rest isn’t a reward but a requirement, developing a sleep routine, and exploring ways to help our bodies get and stay asleep can go a long way in helping us feel stronger and healthier throughout the day.

Take More Breaks 

We’ve all likely experienced the dreaded writer’s block. And while sometimes the best way to beat the block is to write through it, even if the words are bad at first, a lot of times writer’s block is our brain’s way of telling us that it needs a breather. Give yourself the freedom to step away when you need to, and remind yourself that breaks, whether they are short breathers or longer pauses, let you regroup, refresh, and return to your work stronger. 

Move Your Body

Moving your body is so important when it comes to your health, both mental and physical. And that doesn’t mean that you need to start training for a 5k or start some rigorous gym routine (though it can if that serves you). However, just making time to move, even if it’s just a walk around the block, is a great way to help clear your mind and keep your body healthy. Even revamping your office setup to include a walking or standing desk can be a great way to dip your toes into the world of incorporating more regular movement into your daily life. 

Get Outside

It can be so easy to get so stuck in a routine that we can go long periods of time without spending time outdoors. But taking even a few moments to get outside, feel the sun on your skin (just remember sunscreen), or even venturing further out to explore your neighborhood, parts of your hometown, or a local forest can not only help with your mental and physical health, but they can often be just the perspective shift you need to offer an unexpected source of inspiration for your work in progress. 

Here’s to a healthy and happy new year! 

Julia Mullen Gordon