Stop, Pot, Stop!
My Top 4 Ways to Cope with Writing Addiction
Sometimes, I write and can't stop. I keep writing until I fall out of my chair and crawl, moaning, to lie down in a cold, dark room to give my brain a rest. Even then, my mind continues racing despite the pain that comes from pushing myself to continue.
If this resonates with you, I shake your hand—we are in the same boat.
1. Physical Activity
My number one way to stop the racing thoughts is physical activity. I am a trail runner, and running on trails has significantly helped me. Long runs have taught me to maintain a slow, steady pace to cover long distances. This same principle can be applied to writing. When I can't stop, I visualize my project as a marathon. I calm my breath and mind, searching for my optimal writing pace to reach the finish line: step by step, mile by mile, page by page.
2. Meditation
Meditation is an incredible tool for those who have mastered it. It teaches discipline to the human brain and effectively calms both reactions and thoughts that spiral out of control, whether they stem from emotions or addiction. I’ll be honest: these days, I’m not very good at it, but I practice every night before I sleep: I sit comfortly, relax, focus my attention on a spot in my body and clear my mind from thoughts, listen to the inner silence. All my writing sins will dissappear at midnight, tomorrow will be a new day to try.
3. Rituals
Our brains love to create and follow sequences of actions, moving from one trigger to a resulting behavior. All it takes is creating the right sequence. I train my mind like a pet: I teach myself that I start my day with writing and end it with the sound of a timer.
I know many writers who have their own rituals. Some enjoy a cup of coffee as a sign to stop working, while others light and blow out a candle. A friend of mine who works from home gets dressed in special working clothing, steps outside, walks around his house, returns for a work. And then does everything in reverse when he finishes writing. Quite a weird character!
My current finish ritual involves standing near the mirror and saying, " You were so good at this! We'll continue tomorrow!" Who is more weird: me or that guy? Any way, it works: I imagine my tomorrow writing routine with pleasure, my mind makes changes in its routine schedule and switches to another activity.
4. Serious Conversation With Myself
"Be an adult; just stop. I love wine, but I never drink a whole bottle at once. Do I? Uhh, you know... almost never. That is a bad example. Let me pick another one. I adore chocolate, but I never eat an entire bar in one sitting. Just stop, pot, stop!”
Nevertheless, from time to time, I find myself back in that cold, dark room again. Writing can truly be a challenging form of addiction.
What are your tricks? Please share them with me!
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