The power of resting—Why Writers Need to Listen to Their Bodies

By J.E. Nickerson | Wise Thinkers Help Desk

Writers are often told that discipline is the secret to success. Sit at the desk. Power through the blank page. Ignore distractions. Keep writing. And while persistence matters, there’s another truth we don’t hear enough: our bodies are not obstacles to creativity—they’re its foundation.

When deadlines loom, it’s tempting to override fatigue, discomfort, or illness. Sometimes we think that our bodily needs are a hindrance. But the body always keeps score, and ignoring its signals rarely leads to inspired work. Instead, it leads to burnout, foggy thinking, and words that feel forced. Listening to our bodies, on the other hand, keeps us connected to the wellspring of creativity that can’t be forced or rushed.

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The Body’s Signals Are Invitations, Not Interruptions

Not long ago, I woke up with a scratchy throat and heavy fatigue. Instead of waking up with the usual excitement for writing and podcasting, I could barely move my arms and legs. My first instinct was to plow ahead with writing, to treat those signals as inconveniences. But then I remembered: those signals weren’t betraying me—they were guiding me.

• A scratchy throat says: slow down, hydrate, soothe.

• Low energy says: step back, breathe, rest.

These cues aren’t interruptions to the writing process. They are invitations to care for the vessel that makes the writing possible.

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Why Rest Fuels Creativity

The tired myth of the “tortured writer” suggests that great work comes only from suffering. But personal experience—tells another story. A rested body supports sharper focus, stronger memory, and more original thinking. A fatigued body, meanwhile, struggles to hold onto ideas, much less shape them into art.

Pausing doesn’t mean abandoning the work. It means taking care of the person creating the work. It means trusting that stepping away creates space for insights to surface. Some of the best ideas arrive in the shower, on a walk, or while drifting to sleep. Many times when I make the decision to rest, I start getting insight and clarity about my writing projects. Rest isn’t the enemy of creativity; it’s often the birthplace of it.

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Practical Ways Writers Can Care for Their Bodies

Listening to your body doesn’t always require a full retreat. Sometimes small, consistent acts of care are enough to keep your energy steady and your words flowing:

• Hydrate often – water keeps both mind and body clear.

• Soothe discomforts – honey for the throat, warm tea for comfort, stretches for stiff shoulders.

• Take micro-breaks – even five minutes of movement can reset your focus. Sometimes browsing a favorite website or online store, resets your mind. 

• Prioritize sleep – no amount of caffeine can replace the renewal that comes from real rest.

• Breathe deeply – a few intentional breaths can quiet the nervous system and settle racing thoughts.

These practices are not detours from writing—they are an essential part of the writing life.

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Showing Up, Sustainably

Writing is not only about showing up to the page. It’s about showing up for ourselves so that we can return to the page again and again. Ignoring the body may produce words in the short term, but listening to it sustains us for the long haul. Some people might say “I didn’t do anything today I only rested.” But that is progress. You literally worked on resting.

So if today your body whispers “rest,” let that be your work. The words will wait. And when you return, you’ll bring not only discipline, but also the energy, clarity, and presence that true creativity requires.

Find more inspiration for resting in the meditation Mindful Moments for writers: Practicing Gratitude

📚 If you’re new here, I’m J.E. Nickerson — faith based author and inspirational storyteller. You can check out my books here or follow me on YouTube for more inspiration and encouragement on this writing life.