If you’re still in quarantine (and even if you’re not), now is a great time to practice some self-care.

Usually the case is that we don’t have time to dedicate to extra self-care activities. No time for a long bath, face mask, extra sleep…

Or the choice to not write.

I’m gonna guess that you need a self-care day. You may feel fine, but after a day of refilling your creative cup, you may realize just how much you really needed it. But self-care days can look a little different for writers.

Here are some ways you can create a relaxing, refreshing, resetting self-care day as a writer. So mark some weekend day on your calendar and start planing your self-care day!

01. Don’t pressure yourself to write

Let go of that pressure on yourself to get some more words in on that manuscript. Let go of the guilt you feel when you don’t get to that project. Creativity doesn’t work well under that kind of pressure, so today start to let go of those stressful expectations.

02. Write whatever you want

What?! *gasps* Give some attention to those distracting plot bunnies?!

Yup. 😉

Let your creativity flow in whatever direction you want it to. Write whatever you feel inspired to write, whether it be the manuscript you’re working on, that plot bunny, or a completely new writing style.

03. Enjoy extra reading time

Give yourself a chance to read longer than you usually do. Maybe save a book you’ve been really excited to get to for your self-care day.

04. Enjoy other art forms

I don’t know if this is the same for everyone, but for me, as a creative person, I really enjoy other art forms besides writing. Dancing, painting, films, music. That’s definitely something that fills my creative cup.

And that might be the same for you, so take some time to focus on other art forms. Maybe try your hand at watercolors, watch a ballet, or study a film.

05. Do some self-care activities

You know, those ones that non-writers do too. 😉 DIY face mask, bubble bath, healthy smoothie, a relaxing stretch, you name it. Nourish your skin and mind and muscles.

06. Spend time with your writing community

There’s not much that’s more encouraging and uplifting than connecting with the writing community. Take some time to chat with your writer friends, see what they’re up to, etc. Don’t have a writing community? Check out Story Embers and Kingdom Pen; they’re both awesome ones. 🙂

07. Do a story study

Pick apart your favorite movie, show or book and find out what makes it so good. Why is that character your favorite? What’s special about this setting/storyworld? What makes the plot so engaging? This is a fun and exciting way to grow as a writer.

I hope these ideas will set you well on your way to creating a relaxing day. Remember, self-care and refilling your cup is very important for your creativity.

Have a great day and stay healthy! <3

What would you love to do on a self-care day?