I did something bad

Cleopatra,
This really doesn't pertain to or ask a question about the craft of freelancing. I'm porting this over to Office Party.

Whew! When you said you did something bad, I was worried you became a lawyer again!

Cleopatra Jones said:

Does anyone have any tips for self-relaxation that don't involve narcotics?? I want to be a writer, but I don't want to get all William Faulkner about it.

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For me relaxation is different depending on the time of day I get frustrated. Sometimes I go for a walk outside, or play some sport. Basically, anything active outside. If it's too late for that or if the weather is pretty bad then I find a room to myself and listen to some music. Anything to seperate myself to what I'm working on. It's in those clear moments when I'm not thinking about anything when I get through any blocks I might be stuck on.

Also, the shower is great for me too but if I did that everytime I ran into a wall, my skin would be red, raw, and prunny.

I used to smoke and when I'd get stuck writing, I'd go out on the porch and have a smoke. When I was done and I'd sit at the computer again, the writing would just flow. I quit just a few months ago and now when I get stuck or frustrated writing, I feel a bit lost, like my magic writing cure is forbidden. Like I'm trying to decide which is the lesser of two evils. Recently, I've tried just walking away from whatever I'm writing for a bit. I do some mindless task like washing dishes, moping, laundry, or I'll even just go for a short walk, 'bout half an hour to an hour. Sometimes I find myself pacing too, which seems to help get over little humps in the writing. And surprisingly, when I sit at the comp again, the writing flows. I don't think one technique will work for everyone, but just thought I'd share what helped me.

To relax, I like to slice up the insides of my toes, then poor tabasco sauce on them.

Rob

Story and Cleo. Trading a little exercise for smoking is a win-win if it does the trick. Story, you know I'm 100% behind you on this. Cleo, same. If you can find a substitute, great. Just take the time to look. In the long term, though, what's more important, your writing or your health?

Trust me, no one will make it in this business without a carton of Pall Malls and a bottle of Jack.

Julie Worth said:

Trust me, no one will make it in this business without a carton of Pall Malls and a bottle of Jack.

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The Jack's no problem, but can I just set the Pall Malls next to the computer and not smoke them? If not, I guess I won't make it....

I suggest you suffer.

What do I feel? What do I want? Am I bored? Do I want to smoke?

Corporate lawyers aren't what they used to be. Stop being a sissy and write.



Os.

And stay away from independant filmakers.



Os.

A tiny bit of lavendar essential oil dabbed on my pulse point works to calm me. Soothing music playing low in the background works too.

blisswriter said:

A tiny bit of lavendar essential oil dabbed on my pulse point works to calm me. Soothing music playing low in the background works too.

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...and after you come out of your coma maybe you can get down to writing.



Os.

Recently, I've tried just walking away from whatever I'm writing for a bit. I do some mindless task like washing dishes, moping, laundry, or I'll even just go for a short walk, 'bout half an hour to an hour. Sometimes I find myself pacing too, which seems to help get over little humps in the writing. And surprisingly, when I sit at the comp again, the writing flows. I don't think one technique will work for everyone, but just thought I'd share what helped me.

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I've never smoked, but I find that all of these help when I'm stuck, along with taking walks.

Cleo and SG, best of luck with your efforts to stop smoking. You can do it!

the answer is always sex.

maestrowork said:

the answer is always sex.

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but it's not as much fun by myself

maestrowork said:

the answer is always sex.

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But I want the cigarette after sex! j/k

storygirl said:

but it's not as much fun by myself

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Who says?

No problem, Cleopatra. (See how quickly you received responses once it was moved.) Glad to help.

I still do my best thinking and writing while letting a cigarette burn in the ashtray.

You could always do what my step mom does....

she's smoked for years & her doctor told her 'no way you smoke - your lungs are clean!'

she doesn't inhale! (seems pointless, yes - but it works for her)
Worth a try.

I've never smoked, so is it the nicotine that gives you the impetus to write again or is it the ritual of the act, that is relaxing?

In any case, I find that solitaire helps me work thru problems. It is something to do with my hands, and it is quite contemplative. Knitting also does the same thing for me - not the complicated stuff that requires thinking and a pattern but just straight knit for scarves and dish cloths.

Another tip is that I take Ginko Biloba supplements, and I do feel that they work. When I don't take them, my mind does not feel as sharp.