Taking a Break from Writing: 3 Reasons to Take a Writing Break

A writing break is any time spent away from a writing project. It can be a short break—an afternoon, a day, a week—or a long break, like a month or a year. Regardless of the exact amount of time, writing breaks can help you clear your head, get a fresh perspective, accomplish other tasks, or simply rest.

Whether it’s a full-time job or not, writing is hard work. Many writers find themselves constantly working on their writing or, at the very least, thinking about it. As with any profession or hobby, taking a break can increase productivity. Here are a few reasons you should take a break from writing:

1. 1. Short writing breaks prevent burnout. When you’ve hit your stride, it can feel unsettling to take a break. You may think you will lose momentum. But if you only stop when you’re exhausted, you’re likely to burn out. Instead, take short, scheduled breaks to protect your mental health and keep yourself motivated.
2. 2. Writing breaks can stave off writer’s block. Taking a break might seem counterintuitive, but it can provide the mental space you need to avert writer’s block. Schedule a break when you know what direction to go in your story, essay, or novel. That way, you’ll already know what you need to write when you get back into it, and restarting won’t feel as daunting.
3. 3. Writing breaks provide space for new perspectives. Taking a break from creative writing allows you to get the space you need to see your writing from a different point of view.

Whether you’re writing for the first time or the hundredth, these tips can help you stay motivated and energized:

1. 1. Fill your time with inspiration. Many writers get creative inspiration from art, music, films, and podcasts. Consider spending your free time exploring other mediums or going out into the world for inspiration.
2. 2. Focus your energy on a different project. When working on a writing project, like a novel or short story, it can be helpful to write something else periodically. If you feel like you’re hitting a wall, try writing a poem or journaling your thoughts. This can help get the creative juices flowing again.
3. 3. Follow a schedule. Writing every day on a schedule can keep you on task and build a habit. The same goes for taking a break. Take scheduled breaks, particularly if you’re writing full-time. Eating, exercising, and taking time for self-care will help your mental and physical well-being and your writing practice.
4. 4. Take a break once you reach a milestone. Take a break between writing your first draft and rewriting, or between writing and editing. Give yourself at least a few days, so you can read your work with fresh eyes. It can also help to take breaks when you’ve hit a target word count or finished a chapter so that you can acknowledge your accomplishments.

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