Balancing the creative workload: 5 tips to manage time.

How to balance the creative workload with five time management tips.

Have you ever found yourself lost in thought, stressing about not having enough time to write (or any other creative outlet?). You find yourself thinking: I am too tired, I don't have enough time to do the things I love.... Then, you are in the right blog post. I want to share with you how I sequence my writing, how I include it in my lifestyle (working at a daycare and attending school full time) and why I think it is important to make time.

Remember that there is no perfect formula to successfully break the barrier of time, but, there are ways to maneuver around it, in a way that is favorable to you. You don't need to write everyday, you just need to make time to write for yourself, if it is something you want to do.

Are you ready to break free from those restraints and take time in your own hands?

Tip #1 - Rest

I feel like most will probably find this one counter-intuitive. But, when I am tired, I can hardly keep myself sitting upright. That's why I allow myself time to rest, either for a day or two, or more... It depends on the week, on the month. But, during this time, I passively adapt my creative outlets to become inlets. Whether you are reading, watching a movie/tv show, listening to music or doing other creative outlets like art or baking, you are absorbing these experiences which feeds your soul. Self care is important to shape your mind to be ready to workout, because let's be honest, writing is the whole package. It is the HIIT workout of the program (or any other workout style you find challenging.)

Tip #2 - Scheduling

As a full time students, I am always working around a course timetable for work and for personal things. For this reason, I try to schedule writing. After writing consistently for almost three years now, I can confidently say that my prime time is in the evening after dinner, but for some, it may be in the morning. Find the time that works for you and schedule it. Let those around you know it, too, so they keep you accountable.

Tip #3 - Have a support group

My biggest suggestion as a writer and author is to have a support group. I call mine the "Cheer Squad" and we support each other's writings, work together on ideas and keep each other accountable when we make the request.

Tip #4 - Sentence of the Day

Whenever I write with my best friend, her ideas always come to warm my heart. And my mind lights up like a lightbulb. In fact, she introduced me to the concept of "Sentence of the Day". I think that having that little sentence you keep for yourself (or share) really helps you stay motivated. This actually helps me during NaNoWriMo. But any other little challenge or journaling blurb you want to do to keep you motivated works, too.

Tip #5 - Competition with yourself

With social media, it is hard to stay focused on the personal when the urge to compare to others is there. While everyone's journeys are different, there is one person you should compare yourself to: yourself. Because my own journey had many ups and downs, I try not to look at the things I didn't succeed, but rather the things that ended up being opportunities. Writing wise, I try to tell myself: how did the person I was one year ago influence the way I write today.

Do What Works for YOU

At the end of the day, I can write all the tips that work for me, but I also know that taking a break is important, too. I can write every day consistently for a whole month and then crash for one, too. It really depends on everything else going on in my life. I know that my current schedule and approach works for ME, so I keep up with it. Try different things, and when one clicks, mold it to your own style and make it work for you.