One Aliventures reader described their main problem as: "Finding mental energy to write. I can make time, but even then I'm too tired or stressed out to actually do anything productive."
None of us can be productive every moment of the day. We all need downtime and sufficient rest – and even if you
can find a spare 30 minutes at the end of a long day, you too may find that you're too exhausted to actually write.
If there was an easy solution to this, I suppose we'd all be using it! But here are a few things you could try:
#1: Take the Pressure Off
If you're constantly feeling guilty about not writing (again), then take the pressure off. Tell yourself you won't write at all for at least
two weeks.
This is particularly important if writing is becoming yet another source of stress or worry for you. Writers are entitled to time off!
#2: Get as Much Help as Realistically Possible
If day to day life is exhausting and stressful, is there anything that would make it easier? Some things might take quite a while to sort out (e.g. "find a new job") but others could be a lot quicker (e.g.
"pay someone to come and clean for two hours once a week").
If paid help isn't an option, can other members of your household help out? What chores could your spouse or children take on? If you have very young children, can your partner take on slightly more of the childcare duties ... or can you get a child-free friend / older relative to help out?
If there's no-one who can (or will) help, then is there anything you can change to make life a
little easier? Since having kids, we batch-cook a fair amount, so we've got easy meals in the freezer ... and we're perfectly happy to eat the occasional ready meal or takeaway!
#3: Write Something You Really Want to Write
While writing what you love isn't always an option, hopefully you can at least angle towards something you mostly enjoy. If you're churning out low-paid articles for a content mill, or trying
to hammer out a 50 Shades of Grey inspired novel because you think it's what'll sell, then stop! There are so many different types of writing out there that there'll definitely be something that you can really throw yourself into.
That way, when you do have the time to sit down to write, you'll hopefully feel energised and excited to get to work – rather than dreading it as yet another chore in a busy day.
#4:
Consider Changing Your Writing Environment
These days, I'm quite used to writing at home (and turning a blind eye to the housework) ... but I still find it a refreshing change to head out and write in a library or coffee shop, and I used to do more of this pre-kids!
The place where you write can make a surprising difference to your energy levels and mood. If you can, set a "writing date" once a week: get out of the
house, head out to get your favourite coffee, and spend an hour or two enjoying your writing.
If you do need to write at home, are there any ways you could make sitting down to write more of an enjoyable experience? Some writers go for a favourite drink / snack, others light candles, others lie in bed to write – whatever suits you!
I have huge sympathy for anyone in the "too knackered to write" situation. I've
definitely been there, in a fair few different circumstances over the years (stressful day job, trying to finish a novel while moving house and planning our wedding, having small children). I hope some of the ideas above might at least help you get a bit more quality, unstressed writing time ... but I know there are sometimes no easy answers. Hang on in there, and best of luck.
