I felt it sneak around the edges of my concentrated efforts. My lashes blinked faster. My lids now fought when I struggled to lift them off my eyes. A light sheet of brain-fog settled over my mind.
Afternoon fatigue had arrived. And it threatened to keep me from writing the scene on the screen before me. How would I finish without falling asleep?
Too often, I fight a common battle when I finally get a few snippets of time to write. But instead of grabbing a caffeine loaded, sugared up, fattened calf kind of snack, I’ve found a few quick solutions that allow me to treat my body with the respect it needs to function at optimal efficiency.
1) Eat nutritious vegetables or fruit. In particular, I’ve found the following have fabulous energy boosting properties for my body chemistry. Literally within seconds, I can feel a renewed focus and am able to write well. My faves include, red, orange, or yellow peppers, V-8 juice, grapefruit, oranges, watermelon, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cucumbers in vinegar, cantaloupe, and celery.
2) Get out in the sun. A few minutes of vitamin D rich sunlight is just the ticket to get my blood pumping and my thoughts racing.
3) Drink water. When writing, we often don’t want to interrupt our thoughts, so dehydration is a big problem for many writers. Most people assume they need caffeine when exhaustion strikes — in reality, dehydration is often the culprit behind your fatigue. Science shows that water wakes us up.
4) Take a nap. Though I fight it, sometimes a ten minute nap works miracles. A few moments of shut-eye gets me going again. (I find I need to set the alarm on my phone, so I can actually nod off. Otherwise, my fear of over-sleeping keeps me from getting the rejuvenating rest I need).
5) Go for a walk. I plan this powerful method of staying alert into my writing schedule. It’s part of the formula I follow to get words on the page. Having an intended break gives me something to look forward to and pushes me past the humps. A good walk gets my blood flowing, my muscles heated, my cells active, and my thoughts fired up.
6) Take prayer and Bible reading breaks. A few minutes spent with the Master Author infuses me with energy and inspiration. Nothing like purpose to light me into action.
Before fatigue wraps itself around me like a constricting serpent around its prey, I need a plan to fight back. I find the list above gives me exactly the input I need to affect my output in positive ways.
Here are some other great tips to help you battle afternoon fatigue.
What ways do you battle exhaustion when it threatens to hinder your writing?
WordServe Water Cooler 
Good list. I think they are energizing for most people. And you get healthier in the process. 😎
A healthy writer is a good writer. Don’t you agree, BK?
Thanks for the comment — happy writing!
Agreeing with BK…I always get up and fill my big water mug if I’m going muggy with tiredness. Also I think being as narrowly-focused as possible helps. I always have to save my most hands- or brain-heavy work for that afternoon time, because that’s when the baby and his brother are down for nap, so I know I don’t have the luxury of whining, “But I’m tiiiiiiired!”
One of the most challenging obstacles I face as a writer is fatigue. Most of my author friends say the same. But isn’t it interesting what getting up for a glass of water does? Hope you have a hydrated and productive day, Kathleen.
Thank you for the insight into this area of our lives. Good points to live by and to be utilized in other areas as well as the writing realm. Thanks again!
I’m so glad these tips helped. And might I add, your handle, Full Measure of Joy, reminds me of the energizing benefits of laughter. Praying you spread plenty of energy today. 🙂
Great list. I plan to try them all out. Going to the store to get more peppers now :o).
Thanks Connie, peppers rate at the top of my list. Within seconds, I feel a surge of energy, and unlike sugar, the effects last awhile.
This is a great post, Anita. Especially the food suggestions. Thanks so much!
You’re welcome Deborah, I’m glad they’re helpful. Here’s to energetic writing. 😀
Even agents suffer from afternoon fatigue, Anita. Yep, we’re human. I forgot to fill my water bottle this morning, so after posting my comment, I’m headed for the kitchen. AND the next time I go to the store, I’m putting V-8 juice on my list. I love the stuff but never think about buying it. 😉
V-8 juice is a miracle boost. Love, love, love it! Hope you have an energized day. 😀
Great post, Anita! I’ll say “Amen” to all of your suggestions. But sometime I forget to drink water, until the brain fog, fatigue, and headache sets in. So, I know I need to be a little more proactive in these healthy nutritional habits, before I crash and burn again.
Isn’t it amazing how we “know” what to do, but so often fail at applying the knowledge. Now, go get that glass of water.
What a great post. All of this is so true, yet simple to do. Thanks for the reminders.
Thank you Greg, the simple things still work. 😀
Thanks, Anita, for such great tips on how to take care of ourselves. I’ve noticed that hydration is especially important. It’s easy to substitute caffeine for water.
Water is the number one thing I miss when I get tired. I’m working on it though.
Wonderful reminders, Anita, to keep the creative juices flowing along with the water!