Two Days of Nothing Makes Me a Better Writer

Last weekend was glorious. I worked late Friday night to give myself Saturday and Sunday off. We got the nasty winter weather–single digits or negative temps and snow–and I didn’t care. After several busy weekends in a row, I needed a brain reset. I’m a better writer with breaks.

In fact, I sensed a severe case of burnout if I didn’t take a two day break. No thank you. I have too many goals this year!

Saturday morning started in my pjs with coffee. Lots of coffee. I finally rewatched the College Football National Championship (Go blue!). Then I paid the bills and balanced the checkbook (yes, I still write checks–am I the last person to do this?). I read a few chapters of two different books. Then I watched NFL playoff games and played a mindless game on my phone.

Then I deleted the mindless game because it was too easy to waste time on it.

I didn’t beat myself up over wasting time playing a game. Like I said, I needed a reset, and it was all my tired brain could handle. However, I recognized how addictive it could be, and I knew I’d feel more rested if I spent my time on a jigsaw puzzle or baking instead.

Sunday started off super cold, but the sun was out and we had clear roads to church. I did a lot of this and that on Sunday–nothing strenuous. Just puttering. I got out that new jigsaw puzzle, and baked a new cookie recipe. Watched a movie. And watched the Detroit Lions win a playoff game! What?? Both my teams on winning streaks? I will take it!

I had a full day planned for Monday, and I ended up working into the evening, too. I didn’t mind. Yesterday, I plotted the rest of a Love Inspired book I’d started in December. If I wouldn’t have tackled a few business tasks Monday night, I wouldn’t have had as much time to plot yesterday. Taking the weekend off put me in the right frame of mind to return to the LI book.

All in all, I’m a better writer with breaks. When I take time off to putter, it relieves the pressure for me to be productive. I feel refreshed. And ready to write!

Do you find you’re better at your job when you have a weekend to do nothing?

Have a fantastic week!