Everyone’s writing routine is different. It may be that you are most creative first thing in the morning, or you might need the peace and quiet of the evening. Working on your own could suit you best or perhaps you need collaborators to be most effective. Either way, when working out the ideal creative conditions for you, it can help to look at past experiences to give you clues about what you need.
Think of a time when you were very productive:
- What were the conditions?
- What made it work so well?
- Could you recreate that environment?
- Is there a time of day when you write best?
- How could you build this into your writing routine?
Looking at the answers to these questions, how can you create a schedule that accommodates your ideal working conditions?
Here are some general scheduling tips:
- Create a schedule and plan times off within the day and the week.
- You might have natural time off writing due to other commitments. Use this time as a break.
- Don’t force yourself to write on days when you are mentally exhausted.
- You might like to schedule your writing at a particular time of day, but changing the pattern can sometimes help. Whatever you choose, write down your schedule and stick to it.
- Avoid distractions. Turn the phone off – and work somewhere you can block out anything that might stop your concentration.
- Use the Pomodoro Technique – set a timer for 25 minutes and then take a break for 5. This will help to maintain focus and effectiveness.
- Develop songwriting strategies which can inspire you when you aren’t at your most creative.
Changing instruments, using effects or playing against another sound might unlock something.
Going for a quick walk round the block can work.
Focusing on lyrics or song titles if the music isn’t coming.
Play a phrase you have used in a different key and try different chord progressions underneath to change the feel.
Record what you do. You might write something you hadn’t planned to or that use can use but that’s OK, and can go in the ideas bank for later.
Value your downtime
You can’t be “on” all the time. Rest and breaks allow your body and mind a change to recover and refresh. Sleep is a big healer and benefits include:
- Reduced stress and anxiety.
- Better immune system.
- Good sleep allows our bodies to complete repairs to everyday ‘micro-injuries’ we sustain from everyday life, which the repetitive movements and prolonged postures of performance practice may add to.
- Lower risk of serious health issues (e.g. heart disease and diabetes).
- Improved mood.
- Maintaining a healthy weight is easier.
- A clearer mind for making important decisions.
Creativity and Motivation! – BAPAM – by BAPAM GP Dr Pippa Wheble and Lucy Heyman
Why You Should Put Rest First on World Sleep Day 2024 – BAPAM
