Tuesday 2 August 2016

Why You Don’t Write - And It’s Not Procrastination or Writer’s Block

“Happy Girl On The Beach At Sunrise” by Yongkiet
More and more often I come across people who want write but never do. Or they do write, but not as much as they want to.

It happens to most writers. In fact, it happens to every writer.

Sometimes it’s blamed on procrastination.

But what does that really mean?

It means that you’re not writing because you don’t feel like doing it. Which doesn’t really explain anything.

Then there’s writer’s block. This is when you sit down to write, but don’t know where to begin. Or you’re already writing, but the ideas start drying up.

The reason for the former, is because you don't have a task list so you don’t know what to do first. The latter is because you’re tired and need a break. So both of these have a reason that’s easy to fix.

But why is it that most days you just simply don’t feel like writing? You know you really should sit down and start, but the motivation just isn’t there.

I can’t answer this for every individual because there could be many reasons.

But one explanation could be non-writing related.

It could be be because you simply don’t feel great.

When you feel less than good, it’s hard to do anything.

Most of the time this can be remedied with a better diet and getting more exercise.

At first this may seem too simplistic. But stick with it for a moment.

An unhealthy diet can cause many health issues that can affect your brain as well as your body.

A diet high in unhealthy foods like pizza, steak, pies, bacon, donuts and cheesecake is going to leave you feeling tired, bloated, heavy and lethargic.

Studies have been done on college/university students in the past.

There have been several where one group of students was given fast food for lunch while a second group was given salad and vegetables.

100% of the salad group scored higher on an exam both groups took that afternoon.

100%!

So imagine what it would be like if you ate healthier, lost weight and felt great?

How much more writing could you do?

How much more focused would you be?

Likewise, exercise affects your brain as well as your body.

If you’re like me and you don’t like going to the gym and you cringe at the thought of  joining an exercise class, then walking is the  answer.

The best type of walking is in nature, but any will do.

Walking is said to be one of the best exercises you can do, because it works all of your muscles.

It’s also a great way to clear your head and get more ideas for your writing.

Not only that, but it lifts your mood and makes you feel better.

So if you’re not getting as much writing done as you want to, or not writing at all, try eating more healthily and going for a walk (perhaps walk to a park or library and sit and write). Even if it’s raining, walking in the rain can make your really appreciate being home and dry afterwards. :)

So if you want to improve your writing, improve your health first and see how much better it can make everything.

I’m currently using The Miracle Morning to improve my life and help me write more.

Read my review of this transformational book at http://ruthiswriting.com/reviews/miracle-morning.html

Have you ever tried improving your health to improve your writing?

Did it work?

Let me know in the comments below.

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