I’m sure we’ve all experienced those days when you want to write, but something is holding you back. Sometimes you are mentally drained; other times it may be physical. Then come those days when you are both physically and emotionally drained – your body is screaming out to you that enough is enough – you need to take a break.
The weather can also affect people’s moods. I have always been one of those people that can bounce around like Tigger on sunny days, but when the weather is wet and miserable, I tend to do my best imitation of Eeyore. It was probably about six months ago when I was looking into depression that I discovered something called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It was also around this time that my GP put me onto anti-depressants (yes, 2011 was not a good year), but that experiment was, thankfully, short lived.
These are some of the things I do to write my way through the days of ‘blah’:-
- Write anything.
- Force myself to go for a walk or some other form of physical exercise.
- Watch a television show or movie that really grabs the attention (lately it’s been watching episodes of Dexter on DVD).
- Read a novel or a book on writing.
- Listen to music.
- Talk to someone.
- Jot down notes or use a dictaphone.
- Get onto social networks and/or read people’s blog posts.
Of-course some days, you just might try some of these things and still nothing seems to work. These are the days when you need to take a step back and listen to what your body is trying to tell you. There may be other issues happening, or you just need to rest and recharge your batteries. Your writing will thank you for it.
What do you do to work your way through such days? Does the weather affect how you feel?
Oh Debbie, we all have them! And most annoyingly mine often start after the evening feeding session is over, the child is in bed and my energy levels are screaming wordlessly (because they are so exhausted) that wouldn’t an early night to bed with a book be a lovely lovely treat? Perhaps extend that into a week…..But it’s time to fire up and get on with it. Oddly enough, I feel regenerated with the advent of overcast, chilly and wet weather. It means I’m not missing out on anything outside therefore free to explore mind and soul and writing indoors. I guess life is all a matter of which angle you view it from. BTW, you should try living in England for a few years…makes you appreciate what SAD is really all about. Hang in there with all toes and fingers!
It’s really weird, but I don’t know why the weather affects me the way it does. Cold, miserable weather is a perfect time to stay indoors and get some writing done, but I just find it really depressing. I used to live in the Blue Mountains for a few years, which I hated during winter, so maybe that has something to do with it. I don’t know how I’d go living in the UK, so you’ve got a very valid point there! Thanks for your thoughts Dimity.
I agree Debbie that it’s good to do new things, get some fresh air, and rejuvenate. It helps you and it helps the writing! Just wanted to say hang in there and sending you some virtual sunshine with the sunshine award! Details are in my blog post and congratulations!
http://christyfarmer.wordpress.com/2012/02/06/awards-and-write-campaigns/
Thank you so much Christy for being such a sweetie! The virtual sunshine certainly has helped.
Sorry to hear that Debbie. I used to suffer from mild depression in my teens and a bit after my first child. My life is too busy to get it now, but I am aware of SAD and awareness before it gets cold/darker is helpful to avoid it. Apparently walking is the number one thing to combat it, and having a dog. So my dog walks must be super. I’m sending virtual sunshine too Debbie. Having a purpose every day and getting exciting about writing and blog reading helps too. Take care.
Thanks for your thoughts Catherine. I have to agree with you that by keeping busy, active and positive really keeps depression away. I’ve hit rock bottom a few times, but it’s my stubbornness that keeps me going.
I’m glad you’re over it too – having a purpose every day certainly does help!