It is easy to think that the most important thing you need to do as an author is work and put words on the page and craft your book. And of course, without that there would be no book.
But I would also like you to consider that one of your most important tasks as an author is to take really good care of yourself. After all, if you are exhausted, burnt-out, working very long hours or only focused on your work then then I would guess you are unlikely to do your best work.
I often remind the authors I coach that they are the CEO of their author business. They are in charge of ensuring the ‘business’ stays afloat and can keep going, if they go down and break there is no business, if you go down and break there is unlikely to be a book.
I am really talking self care here. Self care is a term that has been so overused in relation to bubble baths, spa breaks and lighting candles that it is easy to dismiss it.
But really it is about the ways you can look after yourself so you can feel your very best.
If you are feeling that you are heading towards burnout, and not at your best or that you might need to look after yourself a little better, these are the areas I’d suggest looking at:
1. The basics
Think of all those things we’ve always been told are good for us, but maybe haven’t always taken seriously, turns out they do really make a difference!
Have a think about whether you are nourishing your body with good, nutritious food.
Are you drinking enough water and staying well hydrated?
What is your sleep like and if it’s not good, what could you do to get more or better sleep?
2. Exercise and movement
Are you taking time to get some exercise and move your body? It’s tempting to spend as many hours at your desk as possible but stepping away and moving your body will release endorphins, clear your mind, help you manage stress and boost your creativity.
3. Feeding your creativity
What can you do to feed your creativity? In The Artists Way Julia Cameron talks about the power of Artist Dates – taking yourself for a regular, solo trip to explore something to spark your creativity. That might be going to a local exhibition, taking a walk through your town or city, or simply doing a jigsaw puzzle or colouring. Can you schedule one of these in a week?
4. Make time for Joy
What gives you joy? This can be a tricky question, often we’re so busy doing all the things we can’t even think of what we would love to do. You might need to think back to when you were younger, or lean into what you might like to do even if you’ve not given yourself much time to do it in the past. Create a list of things that can bring you joy and ensure they’re a mixture of things that don’t need much time e.g. taking the time to savour a really good cup of coffee as well as those that might need a bit longer e.g. one of mine is to go sea swimming early morning. Once you have your list try to do at least a couple each week.
5. Pay attention to what you need
Try to build your own self awareness so you can lean into what it is you need. Regularly ask yourself ‘What do I need right now?’ (This can be a great journaling prompt) and then listen to what comes up. It might be you need to properly rest, you might need to increase the things that give you joy, you might need to spend more time with other people or alternatively you might need to spend less time with others for a while. Give yourself permission to do the thing you need.
6. Set boundaries
This can be a tricky one but how good are you at saying No? Protecting the time you set aside to look after yourself, or saying no to things so that you are not overwhelmed is so important. Sometimes you can’t say no, but always ask yourself if you say yes to this thing, what does it mean you will be saying no to so you can decide whether it is worth it.
My aim is always to help my author clients be in the best possible mindset and headspace and feel as good as possible when they sit down to write. I hope this list has given you some inspiration of how you can help yourself if you are not feeling at your best or most creative and inspired.
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