by Ruth Belena

Created on: May 09, 2009

Knowing when to take a break from writing can benefit productivity, and it will improve the quality of what you write. As a writer you will be spending long hours sitting at a desk or table using your computer keyboard, pen or pencil. Time can pass quickly when you are writing. It is easy to forget that you need short breaks to rest your eyes, feed and exercise your body. You also need longer breaks to refresh your mind.

Sleep and Exercise Breaks

Some writers like to work early in the morning, and other writers work better late at night. Whatever your writing routine, it is important to remember that a tired mind is not a productive mind.

Be sure to get sufficient sleep to refresh the mind and stay healthy. If you are brain tired, you really need to take a break from writing. If you are unable to sleep for any reason, just try to relax, read or listen to music.

After a good sleep, your mind should be teeming with ideas about your writing. Keep some paper and a pen at your bedside, to write down any thoughts that may come into your mind.

Exercise is just as important as rest. It is also energizing, so try to make exercise part of your daily routine. Take a break from writing to go for a brisk walk, or for a run. You could have a workout in a gym, or visit a local pool for a swim. You will really feel the benefit when you return to your desk, or home office, to start writing again.

If you feel you can go no further with a piece of writing, probably the best thing to do is go out for a walk. A change of scene and healthy exercise will fill the brain with renewed creativity, and you will easily come up with some new ideas.

A Long Break From Writing:

When you really feel you have reached a block and cannot continue with work in progress, a complete break may be needed to recharge your thinking processes. It will also provide you with some new experiences to write about.

When working on a book, or a lengthy writing project, you may feel reluctant to take a long break. Deciding whether or not to take a vacation will depend largely upon any writing deadlines you are required to meet.

Day Breaks

As a writer you are probably in the habit of writing every day, and you may never want to break off for a single day, but you should try to schedule your writing time so you get away from home and spend some quality time in the company of your friends and family.

Never let your writing get in the way of consideration for other people, or of your own health. If you or a member of your family falls ill, or when you are required to spend a day in the company of others, do take a break from writing. You can always keep pen and paper handy in case you want to get a few ideas down on paper.

It is important to know when to take a break from writing, and for how long.

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