Writing Through Exhaustion: Why Listening to Your Body Matters
There’s a lot of advice out there about writing every day, no matter what. Push through exhaustion. Write even when you don’t want to. Show up no matter how you feel. And while discipline is important, I’ve learned that ignoring your body can do more harm than good.
Yesterday, I wrote 800 words. Today? Nothing. Between back-to-back meetings and stress, my brain is totally fried. I could’ve forced myself to stare at the screen, but I knew the words wouldn’t come. Instead of draining myself further, I made the smarter choice—rest now, write later.
When You Don’t Have Time, What Can You Do?
Not everyone has the luxury of a daily writing routine. Life gets in the way—work, family, stress. But writing isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency in a way that works for you. If daily writing isn’t realistic, here are a few approaches that might help:
1. Being a Weekend Warrior Writer
Sometimes, the best option is dedicating larger chunks of time on the weekends when your schedule allows. If weekdays are packed, don’t beat yourself up—plan for focused writing sprints when you have more energy.
2. Writing in Sprints
If finding big blocks of time is a challenge, writing in short bursts can add up. Even a few hundred words here and there can lead to real progress. A ten-minute sprint between tasks is better than nothing, and those small wins accumulate faster than you think.
3. Knowing When to Push and When to Pause
There’s a difference between laziness and genuine exhaustion. If you’re just procrastinating, pushing through might be the right move. But if you’re mentally drained, forcing words can backfire. Recognizing the difference is key.
At the end of the day, writing is a long game. Some days will be productive, others won’t. The important thing is to keep coming back to the page—but on your terms. Listen to your body, protect your creativity, and find a rhythm that works for you.
Because sometimes, being a weekend warrior writer is enough.
Yesterday, I wrote 800 words. Today? Nothing. Between back-to-back meetings and stress, my brain is totally fried. I could’ve forced myself to stare at the screen, but I knew the words wouldn’t come. Instead of draining myself further, I made the smarter choice—rest now, write later.
When You Don’t Have Time, What Can You Do?
Not everyone has the luxury of a daily writing routine. Life gets in the way—work, family, stress. But writing isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency in a way that works for you. If daily writing isn’t realistic, here are a few approaches that might help:
1. Being a Weekend Warrior Writer
Sometimes, the best option is dedicating larger chunks of time on the weekends when your schedule allows. If weekdays are packed, don’t beat yourself up—plan for focused writing sprints when you have more energy.
2. Writing in Sprints
If finding big blocks of time is a challenge, writing in short bursts can add up. Even a few hundred words here and there can lead to real progress. A ten-minute sprint between tasks is better than nothing, and those small wins accumulate faster than you think.
3. Knowing When to Push and When to Pause
There’s a difference between laziness and genuine exhaustion. If you’re just procrastinating, pushing through might be the right move. But if you’re mentally drained, forcing words can backfire. Recognizing the difference is key.
At the end of the day, writing is a long game. Some days will be productive, others won’t. The important thing is to keep coming back to the page—but on your terms. Listen to your body, protect your creativity, and find a rhythm that works for you.
Because sometimes, being a weekend warrior writer is enough.
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