Writing can be a solitary, sedentary adventure, and all that time in our heads (and in our chairs) can really mess with even the most stable among us. As I wait eagerly for spring, I’m feeling a little buggy. So I turned, as I always do, to my fellow Pennies for tips on Writer Self-Care.

Here are our best tips for taking care of your writer self while still getting the words down:

Richelle: Walking my dogs is my go-to, as is hitting the gym. Music (listening or playing) always helps get me back into a creative headspace. A good head-neck-shoulder massage can counteract the laptop hunch. A new pen and notebook are a nice picker-upper, too.

Michelle: I listen to audiobook biographies about people I find interesting. Listening to their stories of hardships and setbacks reminds me why I persevere.

Marty: Long walks. They’re great for plotting as well as de-stressing.

Halli: My number one go-to is a long walk with music. It stimulates my brain and gets the ideas flowing. My number two go-to is completely the opposite. I get up early Saturday or Sunday morning (or both), bring a cup of coffee to my reading chair and just sit and think. Most time I’ll have a pen and notebook nearby. Just in case!

Jessica: Making sure I fit in some physical activity every day is an absolute must. (When I’m stressed, that’s usually the first thing to go.) If I’m stuck with respect to my writing, perusing my favorite books often leads to a breakthrough. If that doesn’t work, I give myself permission to take time “off” (which usually means instead of writing, I focus on everything I’ve neglected while I was writing!).

Laurel: Being gentle with yourself works so much better than beating yourself up, doesn’t it? Until of course, it doesn’t and you need a firm deadline.That’s why I like to make a writing pact. I give myself a deadline to finish a messy draft and invite others for company, peer pressure, what have you.

Also, keep a bullet journal so you don’t forget the tiny connections with readers. Writers travel on a lifelong path and it’s easy to forget things that were new and exciting the first time they happened. For example, the other day I discovered my debut book has been picked up by the Chicago Public Library. 🙂 I got very excited even though people around me might not understand. For me, this is a triumph worth celebrating, so I write it in colored ink into my “gratitude” page. 

Kristi: It’s okay to write slow. Give yourself space and time. Also, it’s okay to be selfish with your time. Learn to say no!

Rebecca: Celebrate the successes and hold onto them in your heart. When deadlines feel stressful and daunting, remember the joy of having sold a story. The deadline is a consequence of something you were thrilled about…they kind of balance each other out. That memory can help you get you through the tough chapters or revisions.

I don’t think it’s an accident that most of us cited moving our bodies as a good de-stressor. It’s tempting to force ourselves to sit and sit and sit until we get those words cranked out. But taking a break for physical activity is crucial for your health – and most of us find that focusing some time on exercise each day helps us write more efficiently and joyfully. Step outside for a walk, host a spontaneous dance party, or take a yoga break – all great ways to recharge yourself after a day of writing.

But whatever you choose to do to take care of yourself when you’re feeling depleted, know that it’s not just OK, it’s absolutely essential, that writers take the time to nourish themselves.

What are your best self-care tips?

For more advice on writing middle grade or young adult fiction head to our Master Your Craft page where you’ll find dozens of posts to choose from!