#08 Take a break!

When you are writing any kind of paper, or doing any kind of project for that matter, you need to take a break. When you write for too long you are bound to get worn out. It's the same general concept as when you do too much yard work at one time. I don't know about everyone else, but attempting to mow the yard, cut down a couple trees and haul it all away as well as planting the garden all in one day is asking too much, you simply need to take a break.

When you take a break, you allow yourself to rejuvenate. Going back to the yard work example, when you stop for the day you are giving your body the break that it needs so that you have the energy to finish the job the next day, or whenever you feel like finishing it. Taking a break from writing is the same concept only you're giving your mind a break instead of your body.

I know that one of my biggest fears with taking a break is that I will lose the "streak" that I am on, and when I get back I wont be able to finish the quality work that I had started. This is a very common worry, but if you just continue pushing yourself you WILL burn yourself out. When you burn yourself out, it is much worse than simply letting your mind relax for a little bit. When you burn out it is quite possible you could just wake up one day and not be able to write anything. Having that happen is much worse than simply taking a short R&R period. If you need more assistance with writing, check out writinghood. The article linked offers some advice for preventing yourself from burning out. Otherwise, let your imagination lead your pen (or fingers!) and may a masterpiece arise from your treacherous work!

By: Mike Wilson

4-17-12