It is without question that writers are not exempt from having bad days. We all have them. In fact, I think when you’re a writer, there’s a chance you might have more bad days than the average person. On a daily basis, we’re dealing with tough situations. There’s constant rejection, there’s the highs and lows of writing and publishing, there’s the critique of the work we’ve likely poured our hearts and souls into, there’s the day job we hate or is at the very least stressful. I could go on forever. As I say on The Write Mindset Podcast and also inside The Write Gym: It’s okay to have a bad day and even be “in your emotions,” but don’t stay there.
You might be asking the question, but how do I not stay there? What can you do when the odds just don’t seem to be in your favor or you just plain feel down?
I like to create a toolkit for bad days. In my toolkit are the things I know work for me. Some of it involves physical objects. For example, I always have lavender candles on hand because those are instant mood-lifters for me. And some of my toolkit involves things that aren’t tangible, which is what’s on my list below. So, here are my favorite tips to lift your spirits and put you in a better mood.
1. Phone a friend.
And bonus points if you can phone a writing friend. Now, it doesn’t have to be a writing buddy, especially if you don’t have one. But writers get it. Try reaching out to a friend and I promise you they’re going help to raise your vibration and put you in a better mood. I’m lucky enough to have a ton of amazing writer friends who always seem to say the right things just when I need to hear it. A lot of the times I’ll rely on the WA team. I can’t tell you how many times writer friends talked me off a ledge. Call your friends, talk about why you’re down and let them help you through it.
2. Journal.
Remember when you first started writing and you had no pressure? Remember when writing was fun? Writing is sometimes a double-edge sword because we love the actual act, but it’s the things that come with it that cause us to feel stress or sadness about it. Sometimes you have to go back to the start. This does not mean ignoring your current problems, but rather, it’s a way to express how you feel. You can write about the thing that’s troubling you. Just as you would talk to a friend, this is a way to release it so it’s not bottled up inside. Try journaling your thoughts and maybe you might even come up with a solution.
3. Listen to some music.
Over the years music has always been an outlet for me. In fact, I have a playlist that’s called my “Take Over the World” list, which is essentially just a compilation of my favorite uplifting songs. These are the songs that make me feel like a badass. They all have some sort of positive message. I’ve been using this playlist for a little over six years now. Anytime I feel down about writing (and sometimes life in general), I pop on those songs and I’m instantly in a better mood. You may not like the songs that I like, but that’s why you should create your own playlist of songs that you love. The songs you put on your list should make you feel empowered.
4. Light a candle and meditate. (Or pick one or the other.)
I personally love lavender candles. The scent of lavender has been known to reduce stress and anxiety. It’s typically calming. I recently got into meditation when we released our writing and meditation class: The Write Meditation with Rita Sotolongo (coming soon to our Mighty Network!). Meditation is great for mood-boosting and reducing stress or anxiety in general. There are tons of great podcasts, books and articles on the Internet that can help you get started in meditation, including our online class mentioned above.
5. Read a good book.
Well, it doesn’t even have to be a book. If you’re a writer, the chances are that you already enjoy reading. So many of us aren’t utilizing this tool to it’s full potential. What I mean is that we are told to read, but sometimes reading can end up feeling like a chore. But reading is probably what made us want to become a writer in the first place. Aside from submersing ourselves in our own characters’ world, there is nothing like a good story transporting you far away. I remember when I was younger how I used reading to transport me to a different place. A good book has the power to make you feel like you’re there with the characters. When you stop reading you can’t stop thinking about going back. This will do wonders for your mood. And if you’ve had a bad day because of writing, a good book has the potential to inspire you to get back on track. It might even trigger an idea if you’re stuck in a writing rut.
6. Get outside.
We writers spend a lot of time at our desks. Many of us are writing in an office, coffee shop, or somewhere indoors. Studies show that connecting with nature is an instant mood booster. Even better if you can get into the sunlight. Getting outside can be as simple as stepping into your backyard, or as adventurous as white water rafting. It doesn’t matter what you do, but try resetting by getting some fresh air.
7. Listen to a podcast.
Nowadays you have a wide selection of podcasts to choose from. Keep a list of your favorites and listen to them when you have a bad day. Writing podcasts are great, but a lot of the ones I enjoy aren’t writing related and fall more into the personal development category. The podcast our studio has, The Write Mindset, is also a great place to start.
8. Watch a movie.
I’ve made no secret of being a Hallmark Super Fan. There’s a reason I love those movies. They instantly put me into a better mood and give off “feel-good” energy. Not everyone is going to love Hallmark, but you can find the movies that lift your spirits. Maybe for you it’s discovering new movies. While you’re watching, you might even find some story inspiration!
9. DANCE!
When in doubt, dance it out. This one is a combination because it technically includes my third tip. I’ve used dance to reset my brain between work sessions and also to get out of moodiness. It’s one of the best cures for a bad day. It gets the blood flowing to your brain, gets those muscles moving, and, when paired with your favorite songs, can put a smile on your face!
So there you have it. My nine tips to help boost your mood if you have a bad writing day. There are definitely other tips, so maybe I’ll do a part two! But for now, you have what you need to create your own toolkit for bad writing days. Find what works for you and build your toolkit accordingly. And remember, when you do have a bad writing day, better writing days are always ahead!
