If this sounds wonderfully spontaneous, let me correct that impression. I actually fought with myself vehemently about whether I should be taking even a few hours off. My diligent, reliable Self kept saying, “You’ve got a novel in the works, a memoir on the back burner, and a half-dozen unwritten essays in your head. How can you even think about taking a break?” My exuberant, high-spirited Self kept responding, “But it’s already August. And such a gorgeous day. And I take so little time off.” Each voice had a good point, but for once, the exuberant side won.
I spent two hours sitting by the lake that afternoon. I watched the sail boats, read, snacked, and waded. Occasionally, I would jot a few things in my notebook, but mainly I rested and daydreamed. When I got home after my little outing, I felt clear-headed, relaxed, and refueled.
In my coaching, I help writers avoid excuses, create time to write, and get down to work. With all this focus on productivity, it’s easy to forget that there’s a flip side to that story.
Giving yourself permission to take time off is a crucial part of a successful writing life. Although a couple hours off can feel like a big chunk of “doing nothing,” you are actually accomplishing a great deal during that down time. Your brain is classifying and storing information. The flotsam of daily life is clearing away. You are preparing mentally and spiritually for the time of work and concentration that will follow.
This became very clear to me as I returned from my outing on Wednesday afternoon. Despite my initial hesitation to take a break, the two hours I took off that day turned out to be a great gift. I got home refreshed, recharged, and ready to work—and I sat down to do some of the best writing I’ve done all summer.