One of the hardest parts of writing is carving out both the time and the mental energy to do it.
In our connected world, there’s always something to do with a spare second. Sometimes, these are external distractions: social media, work, school, housework, TV. Just because they take you away from your writing doesn’t mean they’re inherently bad, but they are still something that clamors for your attention.
In addition to all this, there are writing and other creative projects that also want to control your time. They all seem important, and they all even have something to do with writing and your writing goals! So how are you supposed to choose? And how do you give your creative self a break when there’s so much to do?
It turns out mindfulness can help with both of these questions.
What is mindfulness?
When most people think of mindfulness, they might think of meditation or yoga, which also probably means they have a very specific idea of the “type” of person who practices mindfulness. But really, mindfulness is just paying attention to yourself and how you’re responding to the world around you. It doesn’t have to be complicated or a long process; you don’t have to use an app or go to a class. You just have to be intentional about taking time to stop, focus on what’s happening in this moment, and only that.
The easiest way to practice mindfulness is to just focus on your breath: Right now, take a break from reading this article and the six other things you’re probably doing, and think about breathing. Breathe in for a count of 7, hold your breath for a count of 4, then exhale for a count of 8. Repeat this, releasing other thoughts that try to crowd in on your mind, and just focus on counting as you breathe. And there: you’re doing mindfulness.
How do you take a break?
With so many options to spend our energy on, it’s important to give yourself space to reconnect with your inner voice. I’ve written before about the idea of deep work but mindfulness can help you tune into your creativity even when you’re not working. Even when you’re not doing a specific task, your brain is usually still mulling it over. Sometimes, subconscious attention is great: it’s what leads to breakthroughs. But when you’re fixated on something that you can’t do anything about at the moment, then it’s not helpful. You may not be working, but you’re not giving yourself a true break.
Practicing mindfulness can help you let go of anxieties like this so you can truly rest your break, and refill your creativity. There are a few simple exercises, like the breathing one I mentioned above. Another is often referred to as 5-4-3-2-1. I like to do this when I’m on a walk outside, but you can do it anywhere. First, name five things you can see. Then four things you can feel. Three you can hear. Two you can smell. One you can taste. You can also change it around—are there four things you smell right now? Only one thing you hear? Details like that aren’t the important part; what matters is you’re focusing your attention on what is surrounding you right now, rather than thinking about things you can’t do anything about. This allows your brain to relax and reenergize.
How do you choose a project?
Although mindfulness is helpful to get your mind off work, it can also be useful when you are working, specifically in choosing which project to work on. This might mean choose which book idea to pursue long term, or it might mean deciding what to work on during the free hour you have one afternoon. The form of mindfulness that is most helpful here is often referred to as attention management. It’s different than time management, because it doesn’t challenge you to schedule better and fit everything in; rather, attention management encourages you to prioritize what matters most to you and focus on that.
It’s tempting to choose what to work on based on preconceived expectations, whether you’re placing them on yourself or they’re coming from external sources. Obviously, there are some things that need to get done regardless of how you feel, but if you have the freedom to choose which project to work on, be sure to periodically evaluate if it’s still the right fit for you. You’re always growing as a person and a writer, so you may outgrow a project—and that’s perfectly okay! But you don’t want to waste time working on a project that is no longer a good fit. Be mindful of how you’re reacting to a project and if it’s just a phase or if it’s because of larger problems.
Attention management can also help you in the short term. When you have a chance to work on a project, you’ll have to consider if you have any upcoming deadlines, but also take into account what is sparking your creativity at that moment. You’ll get more done and feel more refreshed if you follow that inner creative voice.
Mindfulness may be right up your alley, or it may be something you’ve never considered. Either way, I hope that I’ve given you some reasons to try it out and see if it helps your writing life. Just like anything else, mindfulness takes practice, so if it doesn’t click immediately, give it some time. It might revolutionize how you work and write!
How do you focus when writing? Have you tried mindfulness before? Let me know in the comments!
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Featured image by Milan Popovic