How Rest Fuels Productivity

I have a confession to make…

I haven’t written for over a week now.

My excuse? Work has been crazy, my social life is hectic and I’ve been so tired that naps have made their way back into my daily routine.

A few years ago, this lack of productivity would have sent me into a tailspin. I had been told that it was important to have a regular writing schedule. That two days off a week was acceptable. Any more time away from my project would mean that I’d fall behind and possibly lose my creative flow.

Then there was the advice of a another former tutor who encouraged students to view writing as more important than doing the dishes or laundry. She argued that creative activities are often seen as a luxury instead of a necessity. While I agree that drafting a story or painting a picture should have the same level of importance as cooking up dinner, I’ve been so tired lately that it’s difficult to do chores AND be creatively productive.

Instead of worrying whether I was on track to finish my story in time for the new academic year, I decided to do the opposite… and rest.

A radical solution, I know.

Resting for me meant a weekend away. I slept in, ate a lot of food and went on walks. I read a new book, watched toot on YouTube and occasionally doodled in my notebook. Then, unprompted, new ideas came to mind. I had a sudden resolution to plot problems. Blocks that had formed while I was working non-stop cleared, and I felt a renewed enthusiasm to tackle my story again.

The next time you’re worried that you aren’t writing enough or considering abandoning your project because it’s come to a standstill, take a step back.

A story of any length takes time to complete and requires deep thought, rewrites and constant review. If you need to rest then rest.

And if THAT’S still hard to do, remember this: no-one wants to read a story driven by efficiency. A reader wants a story that resonates with them and is steeped in humanity. A writer can’t do that if they’re exhausted.

So take a break. Your brain (and creative chops) will thank you for it later.