down time...

[Wyvern]

okay, so I know how to overcome my writer's block, but now I need something to help me relax and apprciate some down time.

This week has been MANIC.  Party here, short story there, more work done on the novel, a little more with critique groups, several non-fiction articles produced, more ideas hatched and now I'm needing to just relax and come off the high befoe I crash.  Yet I'm finding it so impossible...trying to relax and I feel like a lump of lard.

Any ideas out there?

[jetowey]

OK Here goes:

(1) A long walk - might not work in the dark or the rain though
(2) A really good film - at the cinema and preferably one where there aren't any irritating kids eating popcorn all the time
(3) A long bath with three drops of lavender oil added
(4) Umm - you'll need an empathetic guy for this one!
(5) All of the above and possibly with the guy from 4 included in the other 3!

Not sure if these will work but I feel more chilled just thinking about it!

Jeannette

[puro]

Totally agree with Jeannette!And I'll add a big cup of chocolate:)

[Wyvern]

wonderful ideas!!!!  Bath with lavender sounds ideal, followed by a number four, then chocolate

[louisegrant]

If I am really stuck I go out and buy a new book.  Seeing other people's great work inspires me to kick on.

Oh, and I go to the gym and have a big workout.  Clears the mind.

[Wyvern]

yeah, workouts always work for me too, but I get sooo lazy and comfortable at home that I don't want to even change to go outside.  But maybe I can make it my new year's resolution to get to the gym when I need some down time and a head clear.  It's only a fifteen minute walk away from my house, so I really have no excuse (except that the locals say the field you have to cross is haunted.....).

[Wyvern]

I just got a fab new motivator to keep me going when I'm feeling the literary blues.  It's an allotment.  I've been waiting for one for a long while and as of last November, I have one to play on.  All the worry and frustration I have over my characters drains away while I'm digging over the soil, planting carrots, or preparing the chicken house (they'll arrive at the end of the month).  By the time I get back home I'm physically knackered, but my mind is ready for plot and character building.

Not to mention I've got a whole new topic to write about.