30 Self Care Strategies for the Busy Writer

Mental health is so important. It’s not just relevant for people with “issues” (though really, doesn’t that describe us all??) – we all should be taking care of ourselves.

Self care is how we do that.

Writing is hard work. It can be mentally and emotionally challenging which makes self care incredibly important. We need to be taking care of ourselves in order to create. Sometimes we need a break.

I used to be a mental health case manager and one of the things we’d talk about all the time was “wellness strategies” and “coping strategies.” Basically this meant we’d find out what activities made someone feel happy and healthy and then we’d encourage them to do those things regularly.

Sound simple enough?

Here’s what I learned: Self care activities are vital for everyone.

This means me and this means you.

Quick disclaimer: This article is not meant to be professional advice or in place of getting professional help. If you or anyone you know is feeling depressed, suicidal, or engaging in unhealthy behaviors, please do not hesitate to get help.

There are numerous, wonderful counselors, support groups, and resources available both online and all around us. Talk to a friend, talk to a neighbor. There is no shame in asking for help.

There is hope. You are not alone. <3

That being said, we all need to be taking steps toward being healthy both mentally and physically.

Most of us need to be reminded at times to care for ourselves. We find ourselves stressed at the end (or even the beginning!) of every week. We’re tired and run down.

Identifying our signs of stress and exhaustion is important so we can be aware of when we need help or need to take a break.

Personally, I know I  tend to get grumpy and overly sensitive. My sense of humor is pretty much non existent and I tend to drift downward into pessimism. When I’m being overly cynical and snarky it’s a good sign for myself that I need to find a way to recharge.

Other common warning signs are becoming more withdrawn, neglecting activities you used to enjoy, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, negative thoughts, being easily angry or easily sad, neglecting food or overeating, substance use/abuse, and engaging in various unhealthy behaviors.

We all struggle at times and instead of letting things get worse (it is so easy to let things slowly slide into depression especially when you’re already not feeling well) it’s important that we identify where we’re at and take actions to move towards being our healthiest self.

So what do we do when we start to notice these early warning signs of tiredness or cynicism? We pull out our list of wellness activities and engage in them to recharge ourselves and put us back on track.

Better yet, maybe we’ve been practicing these all along and don’t get grumpy in the first place!! 

When I was going through a period of my life that was rough a bit ago I put a sticky note in my wallet that said “Things to do to feel spunky and new.” (I know, I’m remarkably corny.) It was a list of maybe 10 activities I could do to make me feel better. That note lived in my wallet for about a year as a reminder to myself to do those things regularly in order to keep myself both emotionally and physically on track.

My list has grown and changed over time and I continue to try to practice these things regularly. Posting my list here is also good accountability to keep me from slacking off 😉

Everyone’s self care will look a bit different so don’t worry if not everything on this list appeals to you.

But find what does work for you and then do it!

Maybe you want to put activities on your calendar or your to do list. Maybe it’s enough just to have them mentally on your radar.

So without further ado, here’s a list of 30 things that have found their way onto my wellness activity list.

1. Go outside

2. Drink water

3. Read a book

4. Write a letter to a friend

5. Paint or doodle

6. Take pictures

7. Write a poem

8. Listen to super loud music

9. Do the dishes

10. Bake cookies

11. Take a shower

12. Wear something fancy

13. Play guitar

14. Learn something new (like on Duolingo or Coursera) 

15. Spend time with family

16. Visit the ocean

17. Stargaze

18. Cook something new

19. Go to the library

20. Do yoga

21. Play ultimate frisbee

22. Listen to live music

23. Play a strategy game

24. Read the Bible

25. Make a list of things I’m thankful for

26. Watch an old movie

27. Eat fresh vegetables

28. Take a nap

29. Go through my clothes and fill a bag to donate

30. Journal

    ---

So what do you think? Do you do any of these things? What activities would be on your list that I missed? And if you tried out one of these this week you should tell me how it went!