As writers we are often very wrapped up in our stories and even on our path to publication, that we forget to be present. We’re constantly stressing about deadlines (many self-imposed), or how we’re going to land that agent, or how we’re going to self-publish that book, or how we’re going to market that book. Sometimes we might get hung up on a rejection, and then it hinders us from finishing a project or writing in general. It can be easy to slip into the past or the future. These are all surefire ways to get burned out. I want to help you avoid that. So, how can you stay present?
Practice gratitude.
I’m just sharing what has worked for me, and you can try my way, but there might be something else that works for you. (And that’s okay.) The concept just has to be the same. My life changed after I started writing in a gratitude journal. I actually learned this tip from a creative coach by the name of Lezlie Laws. Her workshop was on creating routines and practices to become a high performing creative. One of the things she insisted that we adopt, was writing in a gratitude journal every day. She said it would change our lives…and it has. When you are thankful for what you have and where you are, you’ll see how new opportunities and even things you desire start to show up in your life. Appreciating the journey also makes the process of becoming the writer you want to be more enjoyable.
Engage in some kind of physical activity.
Now, don’t panic at the mention of exercise, everyone. I’m not talking about becoming this insanely buff human being who hits the gym every day and works out for an hour or more. What I’m referring to is simply committing to movement. You can go for a quick walk, practice yoga for ten minutes, or simply stretch. As writers we spend a ton of time at our desks, and sometimes when you get into the zone, hours can creep by while you’re submerged in your story. To come back to the present moment, it’s a good idea to move the body. This will help to get your blood moving and restore proper flow to the brain. If you can, focus on your breathing and try not to think about past or future items.
Turn off your electronics.
Okay, I know this one is a double-edge sword, but think about limiting the time you spend on the Internet and social media. First, most of us are going to compare ourselves to another person at some point. While we know it’s not healthy, that alone will get you stressed out about what you’re not doing or what you should be doing. Second, it waists a lot of valuable time. You could be focusing on yourself, instead of draining time that could be better used to serve yourself and actually be present. When you’re surfing the Internet or scrolling social media, you are not in the moment. You are in a virtual world. Do yourself a favor and turn off the electronics.
Quick bonus tip: Remember to take deep breaths throughout the day. It sounds simple right? When you think about it breathing is the most natural thing in the world, right? We kind of have to do it to survive. But I’m not talking about regular breaths. We’re breathing even while we’re doing the busiest of tasks. What I mean is to really slow down. Stop what you’re doing and take a break. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Take a few minutes to breathe and center yourself.
Meditate.
I started exploring meditation more at the start of the global pandemic. Meditation helps relax my mind, body, and soul. Sometimes if I feel like I’m scattered, I’ll do a quick mediation. Because there is a heavy concentration on breathing and acknowledging thoughts, I find that it helps me come back to the present. In fact, the actual act of meditation itself teaches us how to be present. You can find free meditations from Rita Sotolongo on our IGTV, or on Episode 4 (“Rest Enhances Production”) of The Write Mindset Podcast. Rita also has an on-demand class with us called The Write Meditation for Stress and Anxiety.
Limit what’s allowed to enter your mind at the start of your day.
I used to be that person that woke up and immediately reached for my phone. I would grab it straight off of my nightstand and immediately go to my email. I was afraid I had missed out on something. Maybe there was an important email from a client or potential client. But the thing about going straight to your phone is that it immediately causes stress. Plus, as Daymond John from Sharktank says it’s like tending to other people’s problems before you worry about your own. You have to be the one who comes first. If you don’t take care of yourself, can you really show up for others? Set your intentions for the day by carefully selecting how you spend your mornings.
See the beauty in something writing related that might not be going your way.
Writing is full of highs and lows, even if you’re one of the most successful writers. The trick is to appreciate the craft itself and stop obsessing about the things that you can’t change. Stop focusing on whether or not what you’re working on is good enough. Stop worrying about the path to publication. Stop worrying about all the things that at the end of the day, you can’t control. Instead, be grateful that you are able to practice writing freely. There are many places where you would not be able to write whatever you want or even at all.
Bonus, bonus tip: Keep following your passion. Did you know that following your passion is actually a technique for staying present? When you’re doing what you love, you are creating a life that you’re proud of, which will in turn keep you happy. Being happy and content with your life is pretty much how you stay present because you’re focused on what’s good right now.
Racquel Henry is a Trinidadian writer, editor, and writing coach with an MFA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She is a part-time English Professor and owns Writer’s Atelier. Racquel is also the co-founder and Editor at Black Fox Literary Magazine and the Editor-in-Chief at Voyage YA. She is the author of Holiday on Park, Letter to Santa, and The Writer’s Atelier Little Book of Writing Affirmations. Her fiction, poetry, and nonfiction have appeared in various literary magazines and anthologies. When she’s not working, you can find her watching Hallmark Christmas movies.
