As a freelance writer working on your own, it’s important to take care of yourself and your mind. Unlike working in an office or with a group of other people, there is nobody to remind you to take breaks to stretch, eat, and relax. To stay alert and keep your mind sharp, remember to develop a routine that prevents you from overstraining yourself. Taking care of your body and mind is essential for continuing to keep up the good work. You cannot write your best content if you’re not well rested and properly fed. Here are a few ways to stay healthy and of sound mind while you’re freelance writing.
If you have several freelance orders on your plate, it can be easy to forget to take breaks. But forgetting to take breaks and rest can quickly lead to burnout and exhaustion. To produce your best work, you’ll want to give your brain time to relax. In fact, studies show your brain works best if you focus for twenty minutes at a time, and then relax for ten minutes. After a break, you’ll be able to continue working with a clear mind.
Being well rested is essential to performing at your best in anything you do. When working independently, it’s up to you to create a schedule that works for you. A good way to ensure you make time for things that are important, like work, play, and sleep, is to determine when you are most productive. Are you a night owl or a morning person? Knowing this about yourself will help you make a schedule around when you are most likely to get work done, so that you can schedule 8-10 hours for sleep.
Eating a healthy diet will give your brain the fuel it needs to think and operate at its best. Stress that can be brought on by work projects may make you more inclined to crave sugar and fatty foods. But establishing a balanced diet will keep your blood sugar at a healthy level so you feel energized. Foods that can aid healthy brain function include green, leafy vegetables, fatty fish, berries, and walnuts. Caffeine in coffee and tea has also proven to be good for brain power.
After looking at a computer screen all day, you’ll want to disconnect from electronics to rest your eyes. As a freelance writer, you’ll likely be looking at screens for most of your work day. You may want to set limits on how long you look at other screens in your down time like your phone, TV, or iPad. Taking a break from screens could include taking a walk or reading a book.
Keeping these things in mind will help you keep your brain and body healthy. Taking breaks, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and disconnecting from work are all important when taking care of yourself. Remember that you can only be a successful writer if you balance your work and health.
