Running at Optimal Capacity

Over the years, I’ve had periods where I do no writing at all. This is not something I recommend for other writers. I also have periods when I write until all I have to say is said. I can afford to take this approach because I have way too many finished manuscripts that I’m not doing anything about. Again, this is not a good approach for a new writer who wants to get a few manuscripts under his/her belt. 

Source

I’ve come to realize that I don’t do what I should because I’m doing too much. I didn’t do anything writing related all weekend, other than teach at the workshop I’m running, but that doesn’t count toward my writing anyway. 

Last night, I tried editing and couldn’t get anything done. My eyeballs and my brain hurt. At 8:30, I gave up and went to bed. My husband thought I was dying, because I never go to sleep until late at night, which means I never get enough rest. And the word rest makes me wonder if the lack of it is related to the knapsack-sized luggage I'm carrying under my eyes.

I feel a lot better this morning and think I owe it to myself to treat the one body I have differently. Without rest, it’ll never be in optimal condition, and it hasn’t been running at its best for a long time.

It’s weird how many of us don’t get enough rest and yet our bodies keep going day after day.

Until it shuts down.

Stop for a minute and think. Are you getting enough rest and do you take time out for other rejuvenating activity, that is, just relaxing or doing something you enjoy?