Why should you write regularly - and how can you do it?
Writing is a great way to express yourself, deal with emotions, share ideas or create something new. Writing can also be fun, relaxing and rewarding. But how do you find the time, motivation and inspiration to write in the midst of a busy day? How to overcome obstacles to writing, such as fear, perfectionism, shame and distractions? And why write regularly at all?
In this blog post, I'll tell you about the joys and benefits of writing regularly. I'll also give you tips on how to make writing a habit.
The benefits of writing
Writing is much more than just putting words in a row on paper or on a computer screen. Writing is a way of exploring the unconscious mind, learning new things about yourself and perhaps those around you, developing your creativity and expressive skills, and communicating with others. Writing also contributes to mental well-being in many ways.
Writing helps to structure your thoughts and feelings and to clarify your goals and values.
Writing reduces stress and anxiety and improves mood and self-esteem.
Writing improves memory and concentration and prevents cognitive decline.
Writing increases empathy and social skills and strengthens relationships.
Writing stimulates the brain and generates new ideas, as well as supporting learning and problem-solving.
Obstacles to writing
Even if you are interested and enthusiastic about writing, it is not always easy or enjoyable. Many of us face various obstacles that hinder or prevent us from writing. A couple of years ago, when I asked subscribers to my weekly newsletter why they don't write, even when they really want to, the answers that got the most responses were:
there is no time
I can't get started
I don't know where to write
writing scares me
I can't write creatively.
These obstacles are very common and human, and they don't mean you can't be a writer. Rather, they should be seen as challenges that you can overcome with a little practice.
Author's tips
If you want to make writing a habit, you need to find a writing routine that suits you. Try different habits until you find the one that suits you best. Here are some general tips that can help you get started and keep up your writing routine.
Think about why you want to write and what you want to achieve.
Set yourself a clear and realistic goal. For example, you could decide to write for 15 minutes every morning or 100 words a day. Take your goals seriously, but also be flexible and be kind to yourself.
Find a time and place that suits you. Are you most creative in the morning, in the middle of the day or just before bed? Do you write best at home, in a café or in the lap of nature?
Maintain your writing skills and motivation by browsing writing guides and reading biographies and collections of essays by writers.
Get in the writing mood by trying out an easy and fun writing exercise. You'll find them in the Sananhaltija's weekly newsletter, which slips into subscribers' inboxes every Sunday.
Give yourself permission to write badly. Don't let your inner critic distract you in the middle of writing. Pour out whatever comes into your head first, and don't worry about grammar, spelling, form or style. Let the pen flow and the words flow freely. Edit only when you have finished the first draft.
Above all, write for yourself. Don't try to please others, and don't try to anticipate what others will think of what you write. Write about what interests, inspires and moves you. Write as if you were talking to yourself or a friend. Be honest and genuine. Above all, writing is about self-expression and finding your own truth.
Find inspiration from different sources. If you can't think of what to write about, you can look for inspiration from a variety of sources, such as books, magazines, blogs, podcasts, films, music, art or nature.
Get involved with other writers. Writing doesn't have to be a solitary activity. You can share your writing and the thoughts and feelings it evokes, for example, in writing groups.
I hope you find these tips useful and useful and that they help you find your own way as a writer. Remember, the most important thing is to get started and let the pen lead the way. The rest will follow.
Make writing a habit
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Make writing a habit ***
If you want to try regular writing in January, join the Make Writing a Habit challenge. You'll receive 31 writing tips, one every morning, straight to your inbox throughout January. You can share your texts and the ideas you get from the exercises in the challenge's own closed Facebook group. Find out more about the challenge here.