10 creative ways to squeeze writing into your day
If you’re anything like me, you’re always scrambling to find time to write. I made a promise to myself I would write at least 200 words every day and see what happens. I don’t always have the luxury to clear my schedule and sit down for an hour during the day and write without distraction. So I had to get creative and use my “in-between time” to get my writing done. Here’s the 10 best time’s I’ve found to write.
- In the sauna – I try to use the 10-15 minutes I spend in the sauna post workout to get some writing. There’s some occupational hazards like your sweat falling on your jumbling up your words or your phone occasionally overheating. But I have found a lot of good ideas come out when I am extremely hot and uncomfortable. I’m actually sitting in the sauna writing this now.
- On the toilet – This is an obvious choice. You’re going to be sitting there for a few minutes with your phone, why not write rather than scrolling through Instagram.
- At the end of your workday – I’m usually the last one at my office, so it’s quiet and there are no distractions. I’m still in work-mode and haven’t been beaten down by the traffic on my commute. This is also a good time for editing for me.
- Bedtime – When I crawl into bed at night I always have thoughts racing through my head. Some are constructive, others are my insane ruminations. Either way, writing helps me get to sleep by capturing those thoughts and emptying my mind. I make sure to keep my phone near my bed so I can write down any ideas I get at night, because I know I will never remember them in the morning.
- Stuck in traffic – I don’t necessarily recommend this on for everyone, because it could be dangerous and illegal. But I’ve been stuck in standstill traffic for 10-15 minutes and whipped out my phone and wrote. I hate wasting time doing nothing.
- In between chapters while reading – I always get a ton of ideas while reading. I jot them down and when I finish a chapter I try to make something out of my notes. I use it as a reward for each chapter I read, because there’s times when I would much rather write than read.
- First thing In the morning – Get those ideas out early and on paper. Either while you’re still laying in bed or as part of your morning routine. This is a very effective way deal with any anxiety you may be feeling about the day or you could use it to map out your daily goals. Get it in front of you and see it for what it is.
- While at the dog park – It’s a little antisocial and I don’t want to neglect my dog, but on days she’s really into playing with other dogs, it gives me some time to get writing in. When the weather is beautiful, it’s especially nice to be writing outside, taking in all that sunshine.
- In between sets at the gym – I get 60-100 seconds between sets. Normally I would be texting, checking SnapChat or a dating app. Instead, this gives me a time crunch to create something. Sometimes a deadline can help get your ideas flowing. Also, its a reprieve from thinking about the physical stress your body is under and movement stirs up your ideas.
- While waiting – We all have empty spaces in our life, like at the barbershop, the DMV or before a meeting. How often do you waste that time on social media or sitting there doing nothing? Why not use that time to write? It helps control your feelings and emotions before a big meeting, like I’m about to have. I write about my anxiety and fears regarding the meeting and how I may react. It’s a great prophylactic against blowing your stack. I need that in my life.
