Burnout is thing these days. Nearly everyone is experiencing it, especially those who work from home. If you haven’t felt that overwhelming feeling of just being done with everything and everyone, you probably will at least once in your life. That’s why self care is so important. Stress can make your life miserable.
Burnout from too much stress can make it impossible for you just to get out of bed. Decrease your burnout with these helpful self care ideas for writers. They’re designed as self care ideas for writers, but everyone can use them!
30 Self Care Ideas for Writers
1. Create an Easy To Do List
To do lists are great tools. You can use them for everything. But making a to do list can seem a bit overwhelming if you don’t know where to start.
Start with something small, something you absolutely know you can accomplish. This article has some helpful tips on creating a healthy to-do list. Not only will this help center your focus, you’ll also feel better crossing something off the list.
Self care is as much about mental health as it is about physical health. Reduce your stress level by giving yourself an easy task to complete. Then keep adding items to your list until you’ve worked your way up to something a bit more challenging.
2. Use a Worry Journal
Do you find yourself constantly worrying? Even if it’s just occasionally, worry can ruin your whole day. Next time worry tries to knock you down, try writing about it in a worry journal.
A worry journal is simply a notebook dedicated to your stresses, woes, worst fears, and generalized anxieties about life. The idea is to “lock” your fears away inside the notebook. Once you write it down, you don’t have to worry about it anymore.
Check out these articles for more information on the benefits of using a worry journal, plus ideas on how to start one today:
- Can a Worry Journal Help You Manage Stress? | Healthline
- Journaling for Anxiety Relief and Stress | Very Well Mind
- How to Start a Worry Journal: Learning to Handle Stress and Sleep Soundly | Health.com
A worry journal can also help you work through your fears on paper. Writers express themselves through, well, writing. Use your superpower to tackle your fears by creating your own worry journal.
3. Do a Creative Project
As a writer, you probably enjoy your craft. Perhaps you’re working on a project that has stalled. Perhaps you’re too stressed to write but still feel the need to express yourself creatively.
When these moments strike, try doing another creative activity you enjoy. You could always write, of course, if that’s what you want. But if not, you might try doing some photography, painting a picture, or even coloring for a while.
Try something new. You might find a hidden talent you never knew existed.
4. Go on a Writing Journey
Escape the stresses of every day reality for a while. Imagine you’re going on a journey to somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit. Write a story about the perfect bucket-list worthy adventure.
Relax and use your imagination to create a space that’s all your own. Put on some good music. Pour yourself a nice cup of tea. Then, get to writing.
One of the greatest things about being a writer is your ability to create entire worlds, completely new and unexplored realities. Use your super power to your advantage.
5. Write a Letter to Your Future Self
This is a very powerful and motivating tool. Calm your mind. Find a quiet space. Meditate on your life for a moment. Think about a time in the near future: tomorrow, next week, next month, a year from now, etc… Where do you see yourself? What have you accomplished? How is your mood?
Take these thoughts and turn them into a letter to your future self. What do you want the you in the future to know? What is the single most important thing to you right now? Will that change in the future.
If you really put the time, energy, and focus into doing this the right way, you’ll have a great motivational tool you can use again and again. It’s also a great coping mechanism. Writing about your emotions is always a healthy way to cope. Cheering yourself on is a very empowering experience. Give it a try by adding this to your self care routine.
6. Read Your Favorite Book
It might seem like common sense that relaxing with a good book is good for your mental health. Just in case you want to learn more, check out this article on the scientific benefits of reading.
Reading will:
- Strengthen your brain
- Increase your ability to empathize
- Build your vocabulary
- Prevent cognitive decline due to aging
- Reduce stress
- Prep you for a good sleep
- Alleviate depression
So what are you waiting for? Go grab your favorite book and get to being healthier.
7. Spa Day / Night
Depending on where you live, or your income level, you might not be able to actually go to a spa. However, you can still give yourself the spa treatment at home. Set some boundaries and ask the other members of the household to give you a couple of hours to create (or go to) the perfect spa treatment. Be sure to add meditation to your spa treatment. Check out this Meditation for Beginners package – learn how to meditate and improve your mental health in as little as five minutes per day (affiliate link).
Here are some recommended supplies you can purchase for your next spa day:
Here are a few great DIY hacks for home spa treatments:
- How to Have a Spa Day At Home: 29 DIY Spa Ideas | Glamour
- 4 Easy Steps To a Relaxing Spa Day At Home | One Good Thing
- 50 of the Best DIY Spa Day Ideas To Try At Home | The Dating Divas
- 23 Ways to Have an At-Home Spa Day While Stuck Indoors | Buzzfeed
8. Nature Walks
Alone, or with your favorite people, walking is a beautiful thing. It has been shown that spending time in nature is good for your health. Fresh air and sunshine do the body a world of good. A brisk walk is good for you heart. But it’s also good for your mind. Moderate exercise improves your creativity.
Going for a walk doesn’t have to be a chore. Try to incorporate this activity into your daily routine. Dedicate fifteen to thirty minutes of your day to a brief walk. Your overall mood will improve. You’ll feel more energized. Plus, it may help reduce that writer’s block you’ve been suffering with for so long.
You might even want to try the trending technique of “earthing.” There are many ways to do this. Some companies will try to get you to buy “earthing” products. But there is an easier way. Walk barefoot through some grass. Lay on the ground for a while. Or do some other activity that connects your body to the earth.
The idea behind earthing is that the earth’s magnetic field will help heal the body. While the science is still up for debate, some studies have shown this to be beneficial for chronic conditions, including stress. Just make sure you do your research and practice this technique safely.
Creating a nature journal for an added creative boost is another good idea. Take photos of the natural world to put inside your journal. Write brief entries detailing the majesty of your walks. However you choose to do it, get outside and get into some nature to heal your mind, body, and soul.
9. Call a Friend You Haven’t Seen in a While
If you can, stop by for a visit with a close friend. If you can’t, give them a call. Or better yet, set up a video call. You could even do a friend date:
- Cook a meal together
- Watch a movie together
- Have a real talk about your physical and emotional health
- Play a game
- Host a virtual dance party
Set aside some time in your life for those people that make you feel good. The ones you can relax and be yourself around. Research shows that spending time with your friends can have amazing benefits for your overall health.
10. Write a Letter to Someone
Write an actual letter and physically mail it out to them. Writing an e-mail is not the same. Plus, spending time on creative projects has been shown to reduce stress. Use this creative task to reconnect with someone you love.
Write a letter to someone you don’t talk to as often as you’d like. Share some special memories. Who knows? The two of you might even start a pen pal relationship, writing each other letters all the time!
11. Mini Road Trip
Road trips are an amazing experience. Some sources state that road trips can actually improve your health. Add this fun adventure to your self care routine. Make a promise to yourself to go on at least one good road trip this year.
Even if you live in a location that prohibits travel to other areas, go somewhere local. Road trips don’t have to be long to be fun. Sometimes the greatest adventures are waiting right in your very own backyard.
Here are some tips for staying healthy out on the road.
Bonus points if you use this self care idea in your writing routine. You could use the adventure as a spring board for a fictional story or even create a memoir of your trips.
12. Shopping Trip
Let’s be real for a moment. Many people can’t afford to shop for luxuries. So that’s not what this is about. This is about turning a task into an adventure. Of course, if you do have some spare cash, go ahead and splurge. Just don’t spend beyond your means. Debt is a very dangerous stressor. Using your imagination, however, is a great way to reduce your stress levels.
You might think this sounds crazy, but my daughter and I love going to the grocery store. We pretend we’re knights on a valiant quest to obtain bread for the villagers. We avoid the evil dragons and slay high prices with our magical coupons.
Yes, we’re dorks. But we have fun. You can, too! Next time you have to go to the store, use your imagination and turn it into an adventure. Pretend you’re on a secret mission or an epic quest. When you get home, you might find yourself inspired to write a short story about your grand journey.
13. Plan Out and Prep Your Meals
After a long day at work, the last thing you want to do is start figuring out what’s for dinner. Then the temptation sets in to order something more convenient (and often less healthy). Remove the temptation, save yourself some time, money, and stress, and feed your body the nutrition it needs. Start planning and even prepping your meals ahead of time. Meal prepping saves time and reduces stress.
There are tons of sites that show you how to do this like a pro:
- How to Meal Prep – Meal Prepping Tips, Recipes, and Ideas | Good House Keeping
- How to Meal Prep — A Beginner’s Guide |Healthline
You don’t need fancy new Tupperware to do this either, any old containers will do. But if you’re looking for some upgrades, these are some of the top rated meal prep tools:
Meal prepping is an art and will take time to perfect. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll have some serious weight off your shoulders. It’s a great self care idea to add to your routine. Plus, you’ll create extra time throughout the week to spend as you wish.
14. Time Block Your Week
Time-blocking is a new trend in productivity. That’s because it’s highly effective. The basic idea is to create blocks for every hour in every day of your typical week. You can use a piece of paper, Google Calendars, your phone calendar, whatever works for you.
Record everything you have to do throughout a typical week. This includes sleep routines, showering, morning routines, meal times, work and/or school, childcare, eldercare, etc…
Start with things you cannot change. Then take a look at all the remaining spaces. Fill in things you want to do like watch Netflix, spend time with loved ones, reading books, etc… Try doing at least two rounds of time blocking: your estimate for how long you think things take and the actual amount of time each event used.
Having a clear picture of exactly how much time you have can be eye opening. You might realize you have more than you thought. According to this article from Today, three key stress-reducing powers of time blocking include:
- Making the most of small pieces of time
- Providing you with a better understanding of how long things actually take
- Freeing you from the fear of forgetting
It’s kind of like applying the KonMari method to your time. Put it all in one pile. Pick apart what you actually need. Thank the rest for being part of your life, then remove what is unnecessary.
Learn more about time-blocking in this article. Plus, grab some help tips for developing better writing habits. Time blocking will help you be more mindful of your spare time so you can spend it wisely.
15. Set Realistic Goals
Goals are great. They’re important to have. They give you direction. They keep you focused. But they can also overwhelm you. Goals that are not properly envisioned are often as much a roadblock as not having any goals at all.
That’s why it’s important to set realistic goals. Assess your current situation. Imagine how you can improve it. Start with a week. How can you improve your life in one week? If that’s too much, take it one day at a time. What goal can you give yourself for tomorrow? If you’re really struggling, try simply promising yourself to get up and make your bed in the morning.
If you’re in a better place, try making a thirty day plan. Give yourself three major goals to accomplish in one month. Break each goal down into weekly tasks. Then, set up daily activities you can do to complete each weekly task.
This is where self awareness comes into play. You have to be able to realistically examine yourself and your life. Write a journal entry about where you are in your life right now. Then decide how large a goal you can manage. Be honest. Setting unrealistic goals is seriously harmful and won’t get you anywhere.
Read more to learn 8 Common Goal-Setting Mistakes.
Finally, be sure to use SMART goals: specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and time-bound. Learn more about SMART goals and find motivational tips and tricks in this post.
16. Use Your Imagination
Many of the self care ideas for writers on this list are about using your imagination. That’s because there are some serious physical and mental health benefits to using your imagination.
Here are some ways you can incorporate using imagination into your routine:
- Write a short story
- Write a poem
- Draw a picture
- Take some photographs
- Play with a child (they have the best imaginations)
- Meditate yourself into a new reality
- Create a new game to play
More information on imagination and reducing stress:
- How imagination can help people overcome fear and anxiety | The Conversation
- Reduce Stress and Anxiety With Your Imagination | Psychology Today
- How to Use Your Imagination to De-Stress | Dummies
17. Write a Journal Entry
All writers should have a notebook. There are many ways to create a writer’s notebook. There are no limits to what you can include in your writer’s notebook. Even if you’re not a writer, you should still consider keeping a journal:
- 8 Reasons Keeping a Journal Can Help You Reach Your Goals | Becoming Minimalist
- Why Everyone Should Keep a Journal — 7 Surprising Benefits | Thrive
- 10 Reasons to Keep a Journal | Mission.org
Keeping a journal will help you organize your thoughts. It’s a creative outlet for when you’re feeling stressed. A journal can help you achieve your goals. Most importantly, keeping a journal allows you to track your progress. Writing in one every day for a year will show you how much you’ve grown and progressed and what goals you were able to achieve. Your journal can also teach you more about how and why you weren’t able to achieve certain goals.
It’s an activity I recommend for everyone, but especially for writers. Learn more about writer’s notebooks here. Plus, find free printable tools you can use to create your own awesome writer’s notebook.
18. Work on Your WIP
This is one self care idea specifically for writers. But you could apply it to any major project. Sometimes, the last thing you want to do is work on your novel. It can feel overwhelming. But let me ask you something. Have you ever regretted working on your novel? For those of you who aren’t writers, have you ever regretted making progress on a big project?
The answer is most likely no. Leaving things incomplete can be a constant source of stress. Working toward finishing major projects a little bit at time is great way to improve your overall mental health, with the added benefit of accomplishing something.
Sometimes the thing you need the most is motivation. Find some great tips and tricks for getting yourself motivated in this post. Once you have worked up the courage, commit to a timeframe. Start with fifteen minutes. Then move up as you feel more comfortable.
Set a goal of working on one major project at least once a week. You will feel better having completed the work. Plus, you’ll be that much closer to accomplishing your goals.
19. Read a Self Improvement Book
I talk about the benefits of these books in this post. Self-improvement books have helped me a great deal. My collection will be posted soon so you can check out exactly which books I have used.
My experience has shown self improvement books can be motivating, inspiring, and provide a level a support not found anywhere else. There are tons of self help books out there. No single one is perfect. Not every book will be good for every person. But there is one out there for you.
Why should you read these kinds of books? It’s tough to say which benefits you will gain. That’s because what you get from these books largely depends on your level of openness to their ideas, as well as your ability to change.
Some things I’ve gained from reading self improvement books:
- Learning about the conscious mind
- The ability to change how my minds works
- Self awareness
- The ability to change my attitude about the world around me, specifically in situations that would have crushed the old me
- Help in developing realistic and manageable life goals
- Inspiration to write again
- Journaling about stress and emotional situations
- Learning to focus better
- Embracing events and situations that are not necessarily within my comfort zone
- Developing a thirst for knowledge
Read more about the benefits of self help books:
- The Benefits of Reading Self Help Books |Ty Howard
- The Biggest Benefits of Reading Self-Improvement/Self-Help Books |WMP Magazine
- The Pros (and Cons) Of Reading Self-Help Books | Tracking Happiness
- 5 Reasons We Should All Be Reading Self-Help Books | Mind-Body-Green
20. Create a Sleep Routine You Adore
There’s this crazy trend in our lives right now that being busy means being successful. This is so far from the truth. While laziness has never been a good trait, people have taken that to the extreme. It’s important to work hard. But it’s also important to rest. If you don’t take time for your own self care, you are not only hurting yourself, you are not able to do anything to the best of your ability.
Sleep is absolutely critical to every human. Poor sleep and lack of sleep can lead to detrimental side-effects. Still, many people suffer from sleep issues. There are some things you can do to improve your sleep.
Take charge of your life by putting sleep at the forefront. Create a sleep routine you love. Make it calming, relaxing, and enjoyable.
Some ideas for creating a routine that will give you an amazingly restful night:
- Use a sound machine
- Try melatonin supplements (Talk to your doctor about this, first.)
- Don’t use electronic for at least one hour before bed
- Read a book
- Do some relaxing, gentle yoga
- Avoid drinking for at least ninety minutes before bed
- Eat a light dinner
- Meditate to clear your mind and prepare yourself for beautiful dreams
- Use an essential oil diffuser with calming lavender oils
- Use a weighted blanket to help reduce anxiety
- Work out emotional problems before you lay your head down
- Keep a dream journal
Check out this article demonstrating ten powerful reasons why getting good sleep is important. Remember, it’s not only important to get enough sleep, you should aim for getting quality sleep. Plan your sleep like you plan out the rest of your life. Then watch your mood and energy improve.
21. Develop a Morning Routine You Can’t Wait to Start
Mornings, am I right? I was never a morning person. I still struggle with it. But some research shows that morning people are happier, healthier, and more productive. Although, this article presents a different point of view. Let’s say it doesn’t matter when you wake up, you still need a “morning” routine you love.
When you are depressed, the simple act of getting out of bed can be daunting. Get ahead of those feelings by creating a morning routine you are actually excited for.
Self Care Ideas for Writers – Creating an Amazing Morning Routine:
- Develop a consistent sleep cycle (Go to sleep and wake up at roughly the same time every day.)
- Wake up and write
- Wake up and read
- Do some energizing yoga
- Set your alarm to something you enjoy listening to (instead of that anxiety-inducing beeping sound)
- Prep your breakfast the night before
- Give yourself enough time to do something you enjoy
While your waking time may play an important role in your self care flow, it’s important to note the simple idea of having a routine is good for your mental health. Routines keep you focused and organized. They allow you to accomplish your tasks and stay on top of your already busy life. Creating a routine you love waking up to will motivate and energize your whole life.
22. Color
Remember when you were a child and spent hours coloring? Maybe you don’t. But coloring is an extremely relaxing activity. In fact, there’s a whole market dedicated to creating and selling adult coloring books. There’s a reason for that:
- Health Benefits of Coloring for Adults | Beaumont Health
- 7 Benefits of Coloring For Adults and Why You Should Try It | ColorIt
- 3 Reasons Adult Coloring Can Actually Relax Your Brain | Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic
Try it for yourself. Grab your favorite coloring implements, print off a cool picture, and get coloring. This will help you improve your focus, inspire your creativity, and most importantly relax your mind and body. If you’re in need of some new coloring supplies, here is a list of top rated products:
23. Do Some Research
This is another one of my self care ideas specifically for writers. When writing a novel, part of your job often involves doing research. Some days you might not feel motivated enough to work on your novel.
Settle your mind and still accomplish something by doing research instead. We have established in this post that accomplishing things is good for your mental health. Add research to your back up to do list for those days when everything else seems overwhelming.
Research could be as simple as printing out or bookmarking things to read later. That totally counts! Or you could go all out and actually read and take notes on some things.
Whatever you choose to do, getting some research done will make you feel better about yourself. You’ll know more about the world around you, be more prepared for the next time you work on your novel, and feel better about yourself because you actually accomplished something.
24. Make Yourself a Treat
We all need a pick me up once in a while. Practicing good self care involves a healthy balance of physical and mental health. You can do both with this self care idea.
Be careful not to turn to stress eating as a coping mechanism. This involves eating large quantities of unhealthy foods to ease tension. It may work in the short term, but it can have lasting detrimental effects on both your emotional and physical health.
Instead, have a set of healthy and comforting snacks at the ready when you feel the need to feed your body and soul. Comfort food doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Check out these posts for ideas on how to create healthy comfort foods for the next time you’re feeling stressed:
- 90+ Healthy Comfort Food Recipes – Healthier Ideas for Comfort Foods | Delish
- 29 Healthy Comfort Food Recipes | Cookie and Kate
- 31 Days of Healthy Comfort Food Recipes | Foodie Crush
25. Craft that Perfect Cup of {Insert Beverage Here}
Drinking tea is good for your soul. It’s also good for your health. A warm cup of soothing tea will help you relax. Some herbal teas have added health benefits like boosting your immune system and removing toxins. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any new dieting options, especially with teas as some of them can interact with certain medications.
This article shows you the exact benefits of special types of tea. There’s nothing quite as relaxing as sipping a steaming cup of tea while reading a good book. Next time you’re feeling a bit stressed, reach for a comforting cup of tea to settle your nerves.
26. Make Some Photo Art
Imagination can brighten even the darkest places. Another great self idea for writers if creating art from photographs. You can make a special outing to capture new images of the world around you. Or you can use old photographs that spark joy in your soul.
Take your favorite pictures and create some art with it. You can use your computer to design something yourself. There are also tons of websites that will transform your photos into physical treasures. Or you can print your pictures to make a collage or other fabulous design.
Creativity is an amazing self care tool. So take time for yourself and create something beautiful using photo art.
27. Say Something Nice
Self care isn’t always about us. Part of creating a positive mental attitude means sharing it with world. Whenever you are out in public, smile at the people who walk by. Say something nice to someone else for no particular reason. You can compliment them, offer words of encouragement, etc…
Spreading positivity is a great feeling. Being kind to other will boost your mood and make someone else’s day a little better. Even if you’re not quite feeling it, be kind to a stranger. Then watch as your mental space becomes a bit brighter.
28. Write a List of Your Accomplishments
This is a powerful self care tool, not only for writers, but for everyone. If you have never done this, stop and try it right now. Take out your journal or a piece of paper. You’ll want to keep this project to look at later so make sure you write it down on something you will actually keep (no napkins for this one).
Title the page however you’d like. Then write down everything you have ever done that made you proud. This could be standing up to a mean boss, graduating high school or college, having a child, etc… Keep going until you run out of ideas. Be sure to keep this list. Reference it when you’re feeling down about yourself. Add to your list as your accomplishments grow.
You might be surprised how powerful this exercise can be. You might even make yourself cry. Creating a list of accomplishments will motivate and inspire you to do more. Give your self esteem a much needed boost using this self care idea.
29. Mirror Time
Can I tell you a secret? I don’t like to look in the mirror. At least I didn’t for a long time. Until recently, I only checked the mirror to make sure I didn’t have crazy hair or something stuck in my teeth.
Then I started working on my mental health. As I began incorporating self care into my daily life, I started noticing my self worth and self esteem increasing. That’s when I added this idea to my list:
Once a day, take some time to look at yourself in the mirror. Find a positive affirmation that works for you. That’s a small saying or quote you can use as a mantra. It should be something you love to say. Something that inspires you. But most importantly, something that makes you feel good about yourself.
You need to learn to love yourself. If you don’t love you, no one else can. If you don’t love you, you can’t love anyone else. Fall in love with yourself, one day at a time.
30. Take a Nap
Naps are beautiful. Again, there seems to be this cultural idea taking root that if you’re not busy all of the time, you’re lazy or unsuccessful. Please know nothing could be further from the truth. We are humans. Humans are mammals. Therefore, naps are programmed into our DNA.
Taking naps is not only relaxing, it’s good for your health. If you’re feeling sluggish, try taking a nap instead of reaching for that cup of coffee. Experts suggest 15-30 minutes is an ideal length for a nap. But some people take that long to relax enough to fall asleep.
So plan your nap accordingly. Make sure you have enough time to nap properly. After a nap, you’ll feel brighter, happier, and ready to take on any tasks left in your day.
What self care tools do you use?
Did you find some new ones on this list? Comment below to tell me about your self care routine! Don’t forget to download your copy of this handy printable checklist. It has all the ideas listed on this page, plus some space to add your own:
Note: This page may contain affiliate links for which, if an item is purchased, I will receive a small commission at absolutely no extra cost to you. I only ever post links for products that I have used, found helpful, and loved. Thank you for supporting my writing journey so I can continue to help you on yours!