3 Reasons Why Breaks Reduce Stress

Most people would agree, a break in the routine can be a good thing. We spend hours devoting our lives to work and creative pursuits, family and community, and other required and voluntary commitments. While these are all noble, good, and necessary, we need a change of pace on occasion.

Take writing and blogging, for instance. They both require big chunks of time and energy. Inspiration and creativity are necessary too, to yield good results. When you add these activities to an already busy schedule, sometimes it's all you can do to keep up.

I think that a pause in the routine, whether a quiet afternoon alone, a long weekend or vacation, a blog break, a night out with your spouse or friends, a walk in the woods, a leisurely drive, a day trip, or whatever else you enjoy, is a good thing. Here are three reasons why: 

1) Mental and physical space are essential to function well. 

With today's technology, we're potentially connected all day, every day. There are benefits to this, but hazards as well. Do we want this connectivity and screen time to consume our waking moments? Influence relationships (or lack of them) with important people in our lives?

Real life happens to some degree on our laptops, tablets, and smartphones. If we're honest though, genuine living happens mostly apart from these devices. So we need to set boundaries and allow healthy space between us and them. We need uninterrupted time to think, to communicate in person, breathe fresh air, and see sunsets and other amazing wonders in God's creation. These are good and necessary activities that refresh, stimulate, and stretch our minds and bodies.

I read an article recently (sorry, can't recall where) that said that due to too much screen time, some adolescents have difficulty functioning in real life. They don't know how to communicate effectively or how to form and maintain relationships. They are experiencing high levels of depression and dysfunction. While there are other causes for these issues too, it's sad to see how the potential overuse of technology negatively impacts these young people.

We can't run on the hamster wheel 24/7 without feeling the effects. Setting parameters for mental and physical space will benefit our relationships, productivity, and quality of life. 

2) We need to get away to maintain health and peace.

Years ago, I heard a pastor say it's important to "Come apart, before you come apart." Being self employed for over 30 years, my husband and I've learned that this is true, and essential for our health and sanity. Getting away from the routine does wonders for one's perspective, allowing time, space, and rest to breathe and regroup. 

3) Rediscovering our creativity is a wonderful thing.

Life's constant demands can leave our creativity high and dry. I liken it to being on a treadmill. While it has its benefits, it has its limits too, and it only takes you so far. When we step off the treadmill, our world opens up, offering creative refreshment and opportunities.

While all this is nice in theory, it's harder to practice. What can we do to facilitate more breaks in our routine?


1) Just do it. 

Treat breaks like any other item on your list of commitments. From a vacation to a day off, add it to the schedule and go for it.  Be open to a spur of the moment hiatus too, once in a while, for a breather and change of scenery. Call a friend, meet for coffee, take a brisk walk, or whatever floats your boat.


2) Be purposeful.

This is your time off! Be determined and stick to it. Set boundaries, limit time on social media, do whatever is necessary to ensure that you actually get that break. Make a list if that helps, stay focused, and don't stress. Your break is intended to produce healthy benefits.


3) Get off the treadmill.

We often don't realize what we're missing until we get off. The world around us has much to offer and is worthy of exploration.


4) Remember that it'll all be there when we return.

Life as we know it will continue to move forward in our absence. And that's okay. We can jump back in when the time is right.

Speaking of breaks, I'm taking a short one next week for President's Day; will return on February 26. See you then!

How do you get a break and recharge your creativity? What kinds of breaks will you take this month? I'll be taking some walks outside to enjoy February's scenery. Anyone care to join me? :)

Happy writing,

Karen


Photo credit: Pexels

Is Editing Fun?

 

"So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, 

is making a chore for the reader who reads."

Dr. Seuss

How do you feel about editing? Love it or hate it, it's part of the package. Even if you hire an editor to help polish your work, you can't avoid it on some level.

In last week's interview, author Rachelle Rea said, "Editing is such fun!" Her happy statement made me stop and think, Do I like editing?

Guess what? After tossing it around, I came to the conclusion that yes, I do like editing. Mostly, anyway. There's something about setting things to rights and polishing words that brings great satisfaction.

Editing can have its down side too, like when I'm pushing to meet a deadline, or overwhelmed by the direction to take, or by the enormity of a project. But even then, there's gratification - attaining and savoring the finish line.

What checkpoints are you mindful of when editing? Perhaps they are similar to mine.

• Check for grammar/spelling errors, consulting sources like Strunk and White's “The Elements of Style” as necessary. 

•  Check content for excess words/phrases/sections that stray from the point or just don't fit. 

• Aim for content that makes sense, progresses logically, and provides a satisfying reading experience. This includes a good balance of descriptive words/sentence variety, and a healthy dose of class and common sense. 

• In addition to reviewing content on screen and paper, read it aloud. The ear is an excellent editor; it helps improve flow by catching rough or confusing spots.

While simple and often done without conscious thought, these points aid the process, polishing words for all to see. After all, writing that shines won't be "a chore for the reader who reads."

Thanks to everyone who stopped by this month to help celebrate my blogoversary. You are a blessing and I appreciate you all! :)

Do you like editing? What helps you better navigate the process? Do you agree with Dr, Seuss?

Happy writing,

Karen 
  


Photo credit: Free Images

Do You Read?

Have you heard the story where a newbie writer told a veteran writer that they did not have the time to read books? The newbie didn't think reading was necessary for a successful writing career. The veteran disagreed, and pointed out how reading is key to expanding one's world.

What do you think? Do you think reading is an essential tool for writers?

I believe it offers exposure to genres, styles, and writing - good and bad. Reading provides a better scope and grasp of language, grammar, and usage. It offers varying perspectives, challenges us to think, and stretches the imagination. Another great perk is that it's an avenue to better communication, not just in written form, but verbal too.

Over the years I've noticed a difference reflected among my writing students who read and those who do not. No criticism intended; it's simply an observation. I encourage them all to read, telling them it is an easy way to help their writing and imagination grow.  

In short, I think we need to read to be effective writers. We shouldn't limit ourselves to favorite genres either. It's important to explore a variety, fiction and non, long and short, in books, periodicals, and online.

Consider Stephen King's words on the topic:

"...Can I be blunt on this subject? If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”

Our time to read may be limited, but the benefits are worth the effort.

For more insight on the correlation between reading and writing, check out Christian Fahey's thoughts on The Upside in this post, Reading and Its Importance for Writers.

What benefits do you gain from reading? What's on your to be read pile?

Happy weekend,

Karen
 

Image credit: Stock Exchange


 

Book Review - 2013 Guide to Literary Agents

2013 Guide to Literary Agents 

by Chuck Sambuchino

Have you heard? There are over 1000 literary agents seeking new clients. And did you know that the 2013 Guide to Literary Agents contains the current contact and submission info for them? Not only that, but this handy book is packed with helpful information, tips, and resources for writers of every genre.

Writers have questions about agents like, What does an agent do? How do I connect with an agent? Craft a good query? Create a platform?  I’m happy to report that this book supplies the answers and a whole lot more. Each user-friendly section helps writers navigate this tricky process. Chapters cover the agent hunt from start to finish. Mr. Sambuchino has you covered – sort of like your very own “agent coach”, I’m thinking.


The Getting Started segment explains what the agent’s role is and details on how to assess credibility and write a great chapter one. Savvy advice from real live agents is also included, answering some of our most frequently asked questions. Contacting Agents illustrates how to create a great query and discusses how to get your foot in the door at the right place. Other topics include nonfiction book proposals and getting the most from conferences. In Perspectives, debut authors share their success stories and offer encouragement straight from the trenches. Memoirs, Copyrights and Wrongs, and the Writer’s Platform are covered too, as are GLA Success Stories, a listing of happy authors who took previous years’ GLA advice to heart.

The Resources section has a wonderful glossary of industry terms to help us avoid looking like a total novice at this game. The New Agent Spotlight offers more than a little glimpse into the new faces in the industry. This segment discusses how new agents provide fresh opportunities for writers seeking representation. Markets is a comprehensive index featuring literary agent and specialty listings. Detailed conference info (United States and overseas) is also included. 

Stuffed to the brim with craft and business advice, the 2013 Guide to Literary Agents is an indispensable tool. Even if you are not quite to the agent stage yet, the wisdom within will enable you to be prepared when the time comes.

 
For more info visit:

2013 Guide to Literary Agents

Chuck Sambuchino's Guide to Literary Agents Blog

Have you had any experience with agents? What are you reading this week?

Happy writing,

Karen 


Please note: I received this book from Chuck Sambuchino for review purposes only. The opinions are my own and no compensation was received.