Chapter 1: The Need for a Break

Recently, I encountered an unexpected challenge in my writing routine. One morning, as I typically rise at 5:30 am for my coffee and keyboard session, I realized that even after two robust cups of coffee, I was still feeling uninspired.

I found myself stuck in a loop of typing and deleting for over an hour. Frustrated, I decided to explore my collection of partially written drafts, hoping that I could wrap one of them up quickly. However, that plan failed as well. Eventually, I recognized the signs—my brain was on the verge of shutting down. It became clear: I needed a break!

With a professional background in exercise physiology, I understand the significance of rest and recovery in enhancing performance. Athletes who train without adequate breaks often face burnout, and the same holds true for writers. Over time, pushing oneself excessively can lead to a significant decline in mental clarity and productivity. That was my situation.

For the past three months, I had been averaging about one article a day. It was clear that I needed some downtime. So, I decided to switch off my computer and take a step back. What started as a brief pause extended into three full days.

Initially, I was anxious about my daily readership dropping, but to my surprise, it remained steady, as did my earnings.

This video, "Swapping My Screen Time with Writing // Writing Vlog," discusses the importance of substituting screen time for writing time, emphasizing the value of taking breaks.

Chapter 2: The Refreshing Power of Downtime

My brief hiatus was precisely what I needed. By stepping away, my mind had the opportunity to recharge. Upon returning to my writing routine, I felt revitalized. My creativity surged, and new ideas began to flow more freely. Remarkably, I found that one cup of coffee was sufficient to kickstart my day!

I also realized something important: the older articles I had published remained relevant and continued to attract readers. There’s no need to feel pressured to write every single day just to keep your audience engaged.

Moving forward, I plan to be more intentional about scheduling regular writing breaks. My new strategy will involve alternating two days of writing with one day of rest, adjusting as necessary based on how I feel. If I notice my brain feeling sluggish—like it did that one morning—I’ll take it as a signal to step back instead of forcing myself to continue.

The second video, "How To Write More And Create A Daily Writing Habit," offers tips on establishing a writing routine while emphasizing the importance of taking breaks.