Poetry, Prose, & Peonies

Sometimes we can get caught up in the day-to-day craziness of chores and assignments. Working full-time and being able to increase the word count of our manuscripts, everyday, is extremely difficult. Sometimes you need a change of setting to break out of the rut.

I’m not saying that a change of environment alone will cause a moment of inspiration. As writers, we cannot wait for inspiration.

Inspiration is the biggest lie writers tell themselves.

We truly believe that in order to write, we need to be inspired. But this is an excuse for procrastination. Whenever I take a break from writing, or I have writers block, I find that when I come back, I realize it’s because I was avoiding re-working a chapter or a character.

Humans are innately afraid of change. We judge ourselves when we decide we need change. But change is constant. Change is good. Sometimes it’s exactly what you need to shift the perspective of your characters.

I know you’re all thinking “but Gabby, quarantine!” And yes, you’re right. Right now, we are all sacrificing our ability to go outside to benefit our global community. We stay inside, not for ourselves, but for the people on the front lines, for the people with compromised immune systems, for the children. It’s difficult, but when you put into perspective the impact our staying home has, quarantine feels worth it.

Here are my top tips for how to beat “The Quarantine Rut.”

When quarantine seems to be bogging you down with depression, there are several things you can do to combat it. A change of pace can be the right move for a brain break.

Have a massive to-be-read pile?

Why not get started? Pick up that book that’s been on your mind. Stop using Netflix and use the free time we have to do things you actively want.

Reading is harder than watching a show. This is because it requires active engagement to read while only needing to react to TV. For a few weeks I was stuck in the quarantine rut. I decided to use my time efficiently and whittle down my thousand-books-to-be-read pile.

Taking the first step isn’t easy. It’s like riding a bike. It might take a few seconds before you remember how to do it, but after a few moments muscle memory kicks in.

This is one of the generic tips I see on every writing blog and writing advice column. But it’s there because it’s vital to the writing process.

A change of environment is more important than you think.

Now, you might be wondering why there’s a picture of a saxophone when I’m discussing a change of environment. This is a good sign, this means the quarantine rut hasn’t set in. If you didn’t notice it, don’t feel bad, you should try some of these tips!

I used the saxophone because as writers we are artists. As artists, we have different mediums. Working in a different medium could be the change of environment. Enjoy poetry? Write new poems. Play an instrument? Take it out of the dusty box and play around for fun. Love painting? Create your next masterpiece.

Translate the feeling into art and you will feel refreshed.

Going outside is something we all crave. But it’s something we can’t have right now. While we should be staying indoors, those of you who have backyards or balconies can use them! If you live in a condo, see if your building has an accessible rooftop. Be creative and find ways to go outside.

Being cramped up between four walls can feel claustrophobic. It’s not healthy for your mind, your body, or your writing. Be creative in finding ways to get out while respecting social distancing. Have any parks near you? Go at an odd time like 11am.

Another way to simulate a change of environment is simply by change in your home space. It sounds simple, but it helps! At the height of my rut a good friend of mine said,

“change around your furniture, it might help your space to feel new.”

So I tried it. And guess what? I finished two books and added six chapters to my novel manuscript. I started this blog! It’s crazy how a little change in the home can boost your sense of productivity. The sense of accomplishment of actively choosing to re-shape your environment can launch you into a productive state.

Prioritizing your physical health is important for life. How can you have a clear mind if your body is not healthy? Try experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes. Try to find healthy options and integrate healthy foods into your diet. Don’t get down on yourself if your slip up.

Instead be kind to yourself and do better the next time.

Committing to physical health means finding creative ways to work out. Live in an apartment building or a house with stairs? Use them to do cardio! Have access to wifi? Try equipment free workouts from YouTube like Yoga with Adriene. Taking care of your body is integral for your writing process.

Self-care is more than a fad. It’s the secret to success. Take time to indulge in taking care of yourself. Do a face mask, make yourself tea, colour in adult colouring books, knit, clean, write! Do what makes you happy.

Everyone has needs. What’s wrong with fulfilling them yourself?

My mom always told me “the caretaker needs care too, otherwise no one will be there to care for anyone else.” This is relevant to you. This is relevant to me. This is relevant to everyone.

For some reason we all feel selfish when we take care of ourselves. But we shouldn’t. Allowing yourself to indulge in yourself, in a healthy way, is what opens the gates to happiness.

A few self-care things I do that help me feel confident are:

• DIY Face Masks
• Doing my hair
• Writing
• Journaling
• Meditation
• ASMR Videos
• Playing an instrument
• Spending time with friends and family
• Reading

Try finding things that you love doing for yourself. No rhyme or reason. That’s self-care. Take this quarantine as a way to become re-acquainted with the simple joys in life.

Be kind to yourself.