I am sharing my tips/tricks (pun intended) on 'How do you nurture your mental well-being as a writer?’

This blog is part of Authoropod Authors Boost.

As I am doing my research for my next book which is based on the Sparrows Adventures in the Death Valley, the writeup would mention them.

1. Chai and Creative Me: My Morning Ritual I start my day by sipping some warm Chai, pretending I’m the protagonist of a bestseller Novel. Meanwhile, my cute pet rabbits and Missy Parrot stare at me like what special going on in the mind of the lady with the laptop? No, but in my head, I feel no less than the warrior princess ‘Mulan’ fighting the world!

2. Talking to My Characters (Out Loud) Some people talk to their plants. I talk to Joey, Juju, and Jubi of my ‘Sparrows of Michigan’ fame like they’re my best friends. “Juju, don’t doubt me today. We’re getting you out of Death Valley!” 

3. Procrastination (It’s Self-Care, Okay?) Taking time off; breaks and delaying is fine! Nothing heals an overworked brain like a good old-fashioned procrastination spree. I call it “creative incubation.” Netflix thinks I’m binge-watching; I know I’m doing research. Death Valley survival? Let’s watch Bear Grylls! Read the adventures of all those who got lost in the Valley and how Death Valley got its name! Sure my next book in the children’s book series ‘Sparrows Of Michigan’ is going to keep you glued ;) 

4. A Dance Break Solves Everything When writer’s block strikes, I play out loud a mix of pop hits and dance like nobody’s watching. Nothing inspires plot twists like my dance moves in mismatched pajamas!

5. Mastering the Art of Self Love “Treat Yourself” “Finished a chapter? Chocolate. Added a comma? Of course Healthy Dark Chocolate.” My self-reward system is self-pampered and full of self-love and admiration.

6. Pretending My Inbox, SMS Doesn’t Exist Emails can wait. Mental peace cannot. I’ll deal with event invites and marketing strategies after convincing Jubi to stop causing trouble. Self-preservation is key to creativity, and I need to catch up on my much-needed sleep to bring back my creative instinct.

7. Public Speaking as a Therapy Session There’s something oddly cathartic about telling an audience how I had a journey of “Rebirth from Grief”. At least they smile when I talk about how Sparrows of Michigan went from idea to actual book.

Between talking to fictional sparrows, avoiding emails, and dancing like no one’s watching, I’ve managed to keep my mental well-being intact (mostly). Writing is bliss, and so I go back to being a writer again and again.