Rest is an important part of the creative process. It helps refresh the brain and gives you back the energy you spent on writing or creating in general. You don’t have to wait until you think you deserve it, because it’s already part of the process. Creating comes with rest, and it’s important to remember to get the rest you need. 

If you don’t know how to rest in a way that refreshes you, there are a few ways that I do it.

Refueling

The well of imagination and creativity empties over time, and it needs to be refilled. My main way of refueling is to consume media. Reading, watching movies and tv shows, playing video games, listening to music, etc. It’s a good idea to consume media both within and outside of your writing genre. This helps put ideas back into your well, but it also counts as resting because you’re consuming and not creating.

Snack and Food Breaks

Sometimes you can’t afford to take long breaks. For whatever reason, you can only step away for a short amount of time. This is a good time to remember to drink water and eat something. These are needed to fuel not just your body but your creativity. You can’t create if you’re neglecting your body. It’s common sense, but sometimes we forget the important stuff when we’re writing.

Stretching

If you can’t get away from your desk (or wherever you write), taking a second to stretch is also valid. Even a five minute break from writing helps get the blood flowing again. Ideally, you should be taking a stretch break every hour according to the HSE in the UK. 

The HSE suggest that short, frequent breaks are better than less frequent longer breaks, so a 5-10 minute break after 50-60 minutes is better than a 20 minute break every 3 hours.
—iHasco

Getting up out of your chair or off your couch and walking around will keep you from aching at the end of the day. 

Napping

I do my best planning right before I fall asleep, but it’s not feasible to sleep every time I run into a road block. Still, a nap every now and then might help jog things loose in my brain. It also helps me feel refreshed and ready to tackle more of the story I’m writing or the outline I’m working on. 

Conclusion

Resting is a part of the creative process, just like creating. You need to rest in order to be your most productive, creative self. Taking a break looks different for everyone, but I like to consume media, stretch, take snack breaks, and nap in between working. Whatever resting may look like for you, make sure you’re making time for it. It’ll help you to be your best creative self.