If you’ve been living under a rock these last two years, you might not know that the world is spinning globe of trash-fire. Soooo um yeah, spoiler alert: it is. Anyone on social media who chooses to keep an eye on the state of the world can tell you, it’s day after day of upheaval and disappointment. And after a while, it starts to wear thin. Reeeeeeally thin. And when your career depends on creativity and productivity, it’s not easy to stay focused.
Being a creative person takes a lot of mental energy. And I’ve noticed lately a lot of my writer friends are suffering. Energies are depleted and tempers are short, and word counts are down.
So how can we stay positive when the world is a dumpster fire?
I’m not going to lie. It’s not easy, and I’m no expert. This in no way should be considered actual medical advice, but a really good place to start is logging out of social media.
I know, I know, it’s our connection to the world and our friends live in our computers and phones. But you know what? Taking time out is really important. Self-care is really important. Take an hour, take a day, take a week. Whatever you need. Believe me, everyone will be there when you get back.
Take a walk, take a bath, bake a cake, read a book outside your usual genre. Watch a foreign movie with subtitles. Give your mind a vacation. It’ll help your soul a little, too.
Mental health is really important. And being engaged and tuned into the constant negativity in the world can drain your energy levels faster than I can eat a family-sized pack of peanut M&Ms. And believe me, that is fast. 😉
And this isn’t just for authors. This is for readers too. Take care of YOU. But also, if your favourite author needs to take a few days away from being plugged into social media, it’s a good thing for everyone. It’s good for them because they can re-charge, and it’s good for their readers because chances are it means more words and more books! It’s a win/win, right?
Just remember, self-care is really important. Mental health is really important. If you need to talk, reach out to a friend/relative/support line. But put yourself first—something not a lot of us do too often. Because ask yourself honestly, when was the last time you took time out for yourself?
<3
N.R. Walker’s next release, Nova Praetorian, will be out October 26th! We’re going back to ancient Rome for this one—it’s a historical action love story! No pre-orders, it will be live on Amazon on release day!
For more about N.R. Walker you can find her at:
Email:
nrwalker@nrwalker.net
I’m hoping Australia isn’t having the political issues we are here in America. I’m ashamed of us for ever electing so many ‘representatives’ since I don’t feel they represent me at all!