In summer, it is so easy. Easy to write, easy relax, and heck, it is even easier to read cause there is more sunlight to soak in! But then winter comes. Now, I am a huge fan of autumn. It is actually my favorite of the seasons for the colors and the hay rides and the bonfires. But then November hits me like a wall and I am left to wallow in my bed wondering why humans don't hibernate (seriously, why isn't that a thing?!).
I would love to say I get over it eventually, but the truth is, I want to shove every responsibility (including writing) away until spring pokes her pretty green head up. But I can't. Partly because I am an adult now and have these nasty things called responsibilities that I must take care of every day. Yeah, it sucks.
Life must go on. So in light of that, I have composed a list to help myself and other writers get through the winter:
1. Drink! This might seem super obvious, but staying hydrated in the winter is just as important as in the summer. We are told to do it more when it is hot out but your body still needs those fluids! But now that it is cold out you have some yummier options like hot coco and chi tea. Fill up on creative juice so your brain can be in tip top shape to write.
2. Sleep. Get enough, but don't over sleep. I find I feel sleepier when I sleep in late than when I get up early. What's with that? All I know is, when I am sleepy, I don't feel like writing. And when I don't feel like writing, I don't. So get the right amount to avoid the grog.
3. Exercise. Ugh. This one is the worst. Like, I can hardly drag myself out of bed on most days and you all want me to exercise?! I didn't want to believe the study after study that insisted on this for health and focus. Then I had to for school. And I was shocked. I could write more because I was more alert and felt better. Score one for fitness.
4. Don't beat yourself up. This is winter. I feel like it is supposed to be depressing. Lots of people struggle with the winter blues. Some people have a clinical depression in the winter so don't think you have it the worst! Just breath and ask yourself, what would your character do?
––TTFN
