11 non-writing ways to write better

Writing is hard work that doesn’t look much like work from the outside.

To do your best writing, here are some non-writing things you can do that really improve your creativity, productivity, and quality, from the Publication Coach blog, at How to get the ‘write’ mindset:

Here are 11 counterintuitive ways to get in the ‘write’ mindset by improving your own engagement, creativity and productivity:

1. Disconnect. All those wonderful ways you connect with the world are likely making you a worse writer by distracting you and keeping you off target. Limit your visits to your email to a few times a day. Make your writing time “sacred,” not to be interrupted by IMs and other alarms. It will really make a difference for you!
   
2. Have plants on your desk. Really. Plants do something special for us.
   
3. Move more frequently. Get up and walk around from time to time. It might be helpful to set a timer to make sure you don’t immobilize your body for too long.
   
4. Volunteer. It pays you back in ways that will surprise you.
   
5. Take advantage of your commute. If you commute, do so mindfully, using the time to read (or listen) to good stuff.
   
6. Quit multitasking. Sorry: nobody can really multitask. That’s illusion. You think you’re getting more done, but you’re just doing a worse job of more things. Do one thing at a time.
   
7. Use a timer. Learn about the Pomodoro Method. Many people swear by it. Give it a try.
   
8. Plan each day the night before. It might seem more intuitive to plan your day as you start it, but by moving that step to the night before, you can often think more clearly about it. And you just might save yourself one of those toss-and-turn nights where you can’t stop thinking about something that’s coming up tomorrow!
   
9. Take lunch away from your desk. Yes, stop working for an hour or so. You work while you’re working — you should eat while you’re eating.
   
10. Identify your most productive time and do your most challenging work during it. Everyone has a best time of day for working. Figure out yours, and then defend that time so you get the most out of it. You can get a lot more done in less time if you can arrange your time this way.
    
11. Take more breaks. Small breaks, like taking a walk during the work day. Medium breaks like having one day a week where you don’t work. Bigger breaks, like vacations. They all add up to better productivity, better health, and more joy in your life.