Writing remedies for the post-Christmas blues

December 27, 2007 · by Joanna Paterson · in
Alka Seltzer by Spencer E Holtoway on Flickr

Alka Seltzer by Spencer E Holtoway on Flickr

Feeling the after-effects of over-indulgence? Before you reach for the medicine cabinet here are 10 writing remedies to see you through the post-Christmas blues:

1. DO keep writing over the holidays Steal a little bit of space to write your journal or update your blog. Writing helps to clear to the head. You’ll feel better for it. The people around about you might thank you for it too.

2. DON’T let words make things worse Over-generalisations, dramatic language, critical thoughts can magnify a problem. Test and challenge the words you find yourself using. Use your word power to find a more detailed and specific way of describing it. Then watch the problem start to break down and dissolve.

3. DO write your way through it Create some private writing space where you can write the specifics of the things that are getting you down. It’ll help you digest the experience. Try some backwards prompts to get the words to flow: 10 minutes on “I don’t want to write about…”

4. DO write what you’re grateful for Find the specific words and write them down. It’ll make you feel better. If this seems like a challenge right now, look for the one thing in the last 24 hours that you’re most grateful for.

5. DON’T discount the power of your own words The excesses of consumerism can leave us feeling that everything is pointless. Writing isn’t. Ask yourself who your writing is affecting: your clients, customers, friends, family, peers, colleagues, readers. Yourself. Focus on ways you can make that impact a positive one.

6. DO focus on what you can change There’s always a chance to learn, to stretch, to grow. If nothing else you can follow Confident Writing, improve your writing style and write with greater confidence

7. DO make 2008 to start writing a blog It’s a great way to get feedback on your writing, to experiment with new writing styles, to learn what works, to make connections with other bloggers. This time last year I never dreamed I’d be running an Italian writing workshop with a freelance writer who lives in Sardinia, who I haven’t met (yet), but I’ve come to know, well, through the power of blogging.

8. DON’T set yourself writing resolutions you’re not going to keep. You’ll know inside if you’re deceiving yourself. Focus on what you can and will do: it’s more motivating.

9. DO think about your inner resources Spend a bit of time thinking about the inner resources you’ll draw on to achieve your writing goals. This process will quickly make you start to feel more resourceful.

10. DO check out our new Absorbing Writing workshop: 4 days, 5 nights in sun-drenched Sardinia learning how to write with rapport, with authenticity, capturing the essence of a place. Hmm. Four days of absorbing writing. It might be just the tonic you’re looking for.