Sometimes even when we’re writer-fried and undernourished we must keep plugging away to meet writing demands or deadlines. Under writing pressure, we might not have time for substantial commitments for macro self-care, such as exercising at the gym, twenty minutes of meditation, or even walking around the block.
But there’s always time for thirty seconds of micro self-care to reduce stress and refresh our minds without getting up from our writing stations. One micro self-care exercise lets us strengthen our backs for support and soften our chests for compassion while continuing to write: Pull in your belly button toward your spine and straighten your back as you imagine a string pulling you up from the top of your head. Take a deep belly breath, relaxing your stomach outward and mentally softening your entire body.
The deep breathing stimulates your rest and digest response, off-setting your stress response, and you feel immediate relaxation. This simple micro self-care exercise clears your mind so you can continue writing with less physical stress.
Today’s Takeaway
Find quick and simple strategies for self-care to keep you replenished and clear-minded when you’re under writing duress and don’t have time for macro activities.
We enter most situations with a mindset based on our attitude toward ourselves. When we set our sights in a certain direction, we’ll eventually see whatever we expect to see. If we look for misery, we’ll find it. If we look for success, we’ll find success.

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