Remember to Smell the Roses

What are you doing this summer? I seem to get this question a lot as the coveted season of leisure draws near. And if you're a workaholic writer like me, you might not realize how you're answer my end up reflecting in you writing come winter.

My family is foregoing a vacation this year—blame the economy for that. I have a book I need to revise to get back to my agent for submission to an editor and I have two others I’m waiting to get word back on from editors. Depending on what happens with these and what feedback I get, I could be working on more revisions—either under contract or for resubmission. I also have two WIPs I’d like to finish up by the end of August. Plus, I work full time and have a family to take care of.
So, what am I doing for fun? My friends clarified. And I realized my answer only included more work. You know what they say about all work and no play.

For me, and for many of you, writing is fun. I love the thrill of creating a story. I even enjoy the revision process. Learning all I can about craft and the business is another thing I devour. But therein lays the danger. We all should remember that no matter how fun something is, too much of a good thing could lead to feeling overwhelmed which could lead to burnout.

And burnout is not good for your writing. The muse needs rest, it needs stimulated with something other than you poking at it to give you new ideas. It needs to lay on the beach or play in the pool, too.

How am I avoiding burnout, and thus resting my over worked muse? By planning activities that gets me away from the computer and out in the sun. As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, I’m trying to get out and enjoy the day. I try to take a walk in the evening and sit on the deck with a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and a good book. I’ve planned to do some recreational things with my family. We’re taking a charted bus day trip to the Baltimore Harbor and the National Aquarium in July. We’re also visiting my family in Western PA and an amusement park and a local lake.

I know it’s still not much, but at least I’m giving my muse a break. Up until two weeks ago my husband and I had nothing planned. But I knew come September, I’d wonder where the summer went and regret not getting out more. And my muse will be rebelling, about the time I'll want to start a new book.


So if you’re a workaholic like me when it comes to your writing, remember to stop and smell the roses. They’re gone all too soon. I should know. I almost missed the roses in my garden altogether this summer. And who knows what my muse could have done with those few moments.

Saving Your Brain Power

Can anyone answer me why, with age, we gain things like wisdom, wealth (hopefully), children, and cellulite, but we don't gain brain power? My steel trap was once sharp -- now it leaks like a sieve. What's up with that? Life experiences pour into my mind every day, yet less is being retained.

What can we do about it?

To add ten or more years to the life of our intellect, you have to pay attention to the glob of grey matter in your cranium.

Dancing
Yup, shake your bootie and get down! This physical activity requires planning and coordination. The synchronicity found in martial arts also stimulates the brain system, according to Dr. Daniel Amen, MD, author of Magnificent Mind at any Age. So next time your honey suggests dancing or beating the crap out of each other in gees, go for it! And stay young.

Working out

Did you know if you work out four times a week you'll grow new brain cells in the vital memory area? Research has studied the adult brains of gym enthusiasts and measured the blood volume. Their physical activity produced more neurons, which in turn increased the growth of dentate gyrus cells. Jump on your dusty treadmills and exercise bikes. Sweat your way to sweet memories.

Drink plenty of water

You've all heard the necessity of consuming eight six-ounce glasses of water a day. Why? Because your brain is 80 percent water. Your neurons can't perform properly if they're not kept hydrated. Guzzle that water and keep the noggin functioning at high capacity. Writers need all their imaginative power at full throttle.

Get horizontal

Dr. Amen says to clock in seven hours of sleep a day. Hard to do when you have little kids that wake up every few hours. But the more rest you get, the more brain activity you'll have. Harvard Medical School studies show that the brain gathers divergent information and combines them into a logically connected whole while you're asleep. Feel free to snooze away and dump the guilt.

Spice up your life

Here's a partial listing of spices that can protect your brain from inflammation: Cinnamon, basil, rosemary, turmeric, thyme, and oregano. Three to seven teaspoons is the recommended daily amount of any combination of these. I sprinkle cinnamon in my coffee and yogurt, basil in my sandwiches, and oregano on eggs. The spices of life do more than taste good, they celebrate your cerebellum!

How do you stimulate and care for your brain and body? What ways have you found work best for you?