How do you manage your time as a freelance writer? PART THREE
In PART ONE of this topic, we established that managing activities is only one part of the equation. In PART TWO, I introduced the crucial element of scheduling in a way that feeds motivation rather than increase the likelihood of burnout. In this post, I’ll describe the final three (out of five total) techniques that work for me at the present time. These are:
- Regular physical activity
- Consistent meal times
- Consistent bedtime
Regular Physical Activity – There is ample information out there in regards to increased ability to maintain focus as a result of regular exercise. It’s not news. There are some workplaces that have a gym built-in to the facility for employees to use. Factories around the world begin employee shifts with a series of stretches and calisthenics. You can look these up for yourself, so I don’t need to repeat the specifics here. What I will discuss is my own experience and outline what works for me.
Now, I need to state two important facts here:
1) I have a reliable workout partner who holds me accountable (and vice versa), so I am not doing this alone. Keeping up a regular exercise routine requires a coach, trainer, or workout partner. It is nearly impossible to stay motivated long-term without a support system.
2) I am NOT a novice gym-goer. I’ve been a gym rat for over 20 years. I taught fitness classes and coached clients as a certified trainer. I’ve competed in two fitness model competitions. It’s not just a hobby, but a passion. So, my approach is not intended for someone new to workouts. If you are looking to begin exercising, please hire a trainer.
When I get out of bed each morning to start my day, it is an automatic assumption that I’ll be attending the gym that afternoon. It is also an automatic assumption that I’ll be walking outdoors for 30-45 minutes that day as well. Yes, outdoor walking in addition to the gym.
Writing and editing are intensely cerebral. Walking outdoors is a low-pressure activity that incorporates repetitive cross-body motions with being among the natural elements (fresh air, sunshine, birdsong…). It is an excellent way to get out of your head and increase blood circulation. It is not, however, a complete replacement for the health club. In the same manner, the health club is not a total substitute for outdoor activity. The two are complimentary.
Now, if you read through my Daily Checklist Items in PART TWO, you’ll already be familiar with the train of logic that I’m utilizing here. The fact that I make the automatic assumption that these activities will occur each and every day makes it more likely that they will both happen. If there’s a given day where I only do one and not the other, then it’s not a huge loss—there’s always tomorrow. That is similar to the cyclical nature of my checklist items. Where it differs is that I am assigning a non-arbitrary time block for both of these items.
My selection of the afternoon for gym time has a few elements in play. First, it is a mutual time that my workout partner has agreed to. Second, I have not been successful in the long-term with morning workouts—it’s just too much pressure to be up, dressed, and at the gym for a specific time. And the most important consideration is this: I focus best on my writing tasks in the morning and my concentration tends to slump in the afternoon, so it makes the most sense to devote this portion of the day to physical activity.
The daily time block for my walk depends largely on the weather. Ideally I combine the gym and a walk together with the mild hike serving as a post-workout recovery. If there’s an evening snowstorm in the forecast, then I’ll push my walk to earlier in the day. Similarly, if it’s a scorching summer day with a high humidex, then I’ll wait until after supper for a sunset stroll. No, I don’t resign myself to using an indoor treadmill. Go outside.
Consistent Meal Times – Working from home means that I get to choose when I break for lunch. I also get to use my own kitchen, my own utensils, and my own ingredients. I’ve worked other jobs in the past, so I’ve had lunch breaks in a plethora of different breakrooms, at picnic tables, in my car, and so forth. Yes, it’s an opportunity to bond with co-workers, but as a freelance writer, I don’t get that perk.
Having the ability to choose when I take my lunch break is a responsibility. I could be random about it, but I choose consistency. I always take a break for lunch at midday, and I always sit down with my husband for supper at day’s end. I don’t keep track of how long the meal takes. I’m not really clocking-out when I take lunch anyhow, because I usually get a bit of work done while the oven is heating-up or my husband is boiling or frying something on the stove. Meals are a priority that I plan around, rather than squeeze-in.
Consistent Bedtime – This item speaks for itself. What I will say is this: I do not let my writing keep me up at night. Yes, in the past I have woken up with the need to jot something down. Giving-in to this impulse led to sleepless nights and restless mornings. Worst of all, the notes I scribbles down at 2 a.m. wound up being unusable. If it’s a true and brilliant idea, then it will return to me when I’m in proper work-mode.
Now, I’ll follow this up by admitting I am working on a consistent waking time. I set an alarm, but my motor reflexes have memorized the snooze option. My workdays do not have an identical start time. See my explanation of Daily Checklist Items for more on that.
And that’s it! Stay tuned for my next blog post. Wanna get it in your email inbox? Subscribe to stay informed of my newest articles, story reviews, updates, and more. Please type your comments below.
Cover Image: Photo by Wallace Chuck on Pexels.com
Pauline Shen 