Balancing Self-Care with Writing Deadlines

By J.E. Nickerson | Wise Thinkers Help Desk

Sometimes when we sit down to write, it’s not because inspiration strikes—it’s because a deadline is looming. Whether those deadlines are set by publishers, collaborators, or self-imposed schedules, they shape how and when we write.

If you run your own website and post regular content, you know how important it is to show up consistently. You’re not just writing—you’re shaping a message, maintaining a presence, and making sure your voice comes through clearly. It’s a rhythm non-writers or those in traditional 9-to-5 roles don’t always understand.

There’s a kind of mental setup we need before writing. Sometimes the words come pouring out; other times, we have to warm up the engine. For many of us, getting ready to write includes creating a calming environment, preparing a snack, listening to music, or stretching. That’s all part of the workflow.

For me, it means being in a cool room with a fan blasting, ambient Lo-Fi or soft dance music in my noise-canceling headphones, and something nearby to sip. These things matter.

Wearing All the Hats

For self-employed writers, deadlines can arrive several times a week. Managing your own website, planning content, and scheduling social media posts adds extra pressure. When you’re also your own tech support and marketing team, the work can quickly feel overwhelming.

That’s why balancing all the hats we wear requires compassion toward ourselves and careful pacing. If you’re juggling the roles of writer, content manager, family member, and more, you need intentional downtime—moments where no one can reach you, and you don’t have to produce anything.

For me, that might look like scrolling through tech news, listening to music, or just letting my brain rest for a few minutes. These are not luxuries. They are vital.

Rest Isn’t Wasted Time

Even a few minutes of intentional rest can reset our energy and creative flow. Writing may not always be easy, but it can be more enjoyable when we’re not running on fumes. People in traditional jobs take breaks throughout the day—so should we.

If you’ve been wondering why burnout always feels like it’s one step away, take it as a sign. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Start Small

You don’t need a full “reset routine” right away. Start with five-minute pauses. Take a deep breath. Have a snack. Look out the window. Do something that nourishes you.

Be Intentional

When I work out, my fitness coaches often say, “Set an intention for your workout.” That same mindset applies to breaks. If you go into your rest time with intention, you’ll get more out of it.

Don’t just schedule your break—plan what you’ll do during it. Maybe you’ll listen to a specific podcast or play a calming playlist. Have it cued up ahead of time, so there’s no decision fatigue when it’s time to rest.

Don’t Think About Work on Breaks 🙅🏼‍♀️

This one’s hard. I love my writing, and my website always has something that needs doing—but I’ve learned that a break isn’t truly restful if I’m mentally still “on the clock.”

The old saying goes, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” But even creative work drains energy. You still need to recharge.

On your break, try something unrelated to writing. If you’re a visual person, soothing nature images or short videos can help your nervous system relax. If nature sounds don’t work for you, maybe tech videos or peaceful walkthroughs do. Personally, I unwind with tech news and short YouTube clips about using devices in my daily life.

Affirmations That Help You Rest

Sometimes we need permission to pause. Try repeating one of these when you feel guilty about stepping away:

• “I’m allowed to take a rest.”

• “This isn’t laziness—this is self-care.”

• “Break time is making me a better writer.”

Grounding Helps

Rest is physical as well as mental. Hold something cool. Sip a drink slowly. Squeeze a stress ball. Light a candle. Don’t just tell your body to relax—help it feel safe enough to do so.

Because “hurry up and relax” never works.

For more inspiration for your rest times, read the following articles 

6 Affirmations for Writers and Creators When It’s Time to Rest

From the Wise Thinker’s Desk : It’s time to rest

One More Sentence… Knowing When to Stop and Rest