7 Awesome Tips to Declutter Your Writing Brain

As writers, we juggle A LOT in our heads when we’re writing a story: characters, plot, dialogue, and the writing itself.

An entire world lives inside you!

That can be a lot to carry around. Your brain is your biggest creative tool, so it’s important to take care of it!

If you write too much for too long, you can risk burning yourself out. (As you may have guessed, I’m speaking from experience.) Giving your brain a break and a chance to refresh itself is important at every stage of the writing process.

7 Awesome Tips to Declutter Your Writing Brain

Here are seven tips to decompress and declutter your writing brain.

1) Take time off

This may seem counter-productive if the reason you’re writing so much is to meet a deadline (self-imposed or otherwise), but it also may be exactly what you need.

When I work on a project for too long I get less productive as I go. It becomes harder to focus on my work and solve problems. It also takes me longer to accomplish tasks.

While it may be hard to walk away, especially if I’m on a deadline that isn’t self-imposed, it’s always worth it. When I come back to my project after a break, my brain is sharper, I write quicker, and my overall production drastically increases.

If you are on a deadline and find yourself in a situation where you really can’t afford to lose a whole day to give your writing brain a break, try to steal 24 consecutive hours. So on Day 1, decide that you’ll go hard until 3 PM. Then, give yourself off until 3 PM the following day, at which point you can pick your story back up again.

This way, you still get a ‘day’ off without losing an entire workday, if that makes sense.

2) Move more

Exercise is, of course, great for you physically, but it can also do wonders for your creative brain.

Personally, I’ve found walking and/or running or other cardio is great because there’s very little you have to focus on. This gives your mind the freedom to wander and think about whatever it wants. When you write, you spend a lot of time forcing your brain in a direction, so unforced time can be a great way to refresh.

On the other hand, doing a very specific workout routine can be equally as helpful. By giving your brain a specific task to focus on, which practically guarantees time away from your story.

Yoga is my personal favorite, but any video or guided routine can have this effect.

3) Veg out

Take an entire day and do nothing. Seriously. Don’t leave the house. Don’t talk to another person. The only reason to get off the couch for anything other than food (which should definitely be mac and cheese 😜). Watch your favorite movie/TV show, read a book, do whatever you have to do to fully recharge. I shoot for at least one of these days per month if I can. When I get back to work the following day, I’m sharp and refreshed.

4) Take in other creative content

Personally speaking, taking in other people’s creative work can go a long way in decluttering my brain. This can mean watching TV, reading a book, or falling down a YouTube hole.

I think experience stories that are not mine and may not even be in my medium helps me to come out of my own head a little bit. And sometimes, once I can relax enough to get caught up in someone else’s story, I’ve found it can also inspire my own.

Another tip: Sometimes I find that since I work with words all day, reading a book for enjoyment is just asking too much of my brain. I can’t always focus on the story, the page, or the words. (Maybe this is you too?)

Instead, I’ve started listening to audiobooks. It’s been a great way to get through my reading list when I’m too tired to read to myself.

Unfortunately, audiobooks can be expensive. However, most libraries have them available either physically or for digital download.

5) Create relaxing spaces

Creating a relaxing environment has really helped my entire process. When I’m fried from a day of writing, the last thing I want is to be in a room with harsh lights, loud sounds, or anywhere near a pile of ‘stuff’ I have to do.

I’m easily overstimulated to begin with. After an intense writing day, it’s even worse.  What bothers you when you’re fried may be different. Whatever it is, take the time to figure out what you’re sensitive to and find a way to counteract it so your brain can recharge.  (If harsh lights are also an issue for you, my resources page as some of my favorite low-lighting alternatives).

6) Sleep

As far as I’m concerned, all-nighters are never worth it. Sure, sometimes you may need to work late to ride a creative wave, but I don’t believe it’s a good idea to push yourself so hard that you compromise your health on a regular basis.

If you are consistently tired, then your brain isn’t as sharp as it could be. This is a massive disadvantage to you and your story.

7) Tarot or Other Intuitive Practices

Reconnecting with my body and intuition goes a long way in helping me get out of my head. It helps my brain rest, and it allows me to lead from a more heart centered and intuitive place when I show up to write again.

Tarot is a great way to connect with your intuition if you have a deck or are into that kind of thing. But anything that helps you reconnect with yourself is a great practice to do in times like these.

This can include meditating, spending time in nature, journaling, or any similar practice that helps you come back to yourself.

That’s it for this one! I hope this helps you keep your writing brain in good condition!

Now it’s your turn: How do you declutter your writing brain? I’m always looking for new techniques so please let me know in the comments! You can also let me know what you’d like to see covered more in the future.