Alex J. Cavanaugh‘s Insecure Writer’s Support Group, held monthly. Click on the image above to participate.
For a little while now I’ve fallen behind on things, and writing plays a bit role in this, which means I’m behind on the timeline I’ve set myself for completing my current story, other projects are pushed farther back, and I end up feeling like things are spinning out of control.
Source: Free Digital Photos by ddpavumba
Of course this does nothing to help, since the more I panic about not getting on top of things, the less I do. So as a result I’ve pulled back on blogging too frequently, I’ve taken some time away from writing, and focused on enjoying life. The real life outside of writing. But more recently, I’ve started feeling like my old self. I’m reading more, and going to get back into writing again, even if it’s small steps, it’s better than nothing.
How do you deal with life when it becomes too overwhelming?
Good for you for taking breathing time, Tania. I agree with Lexa — life is short, and we need to take time to appreciate all we have. Go at it, girl! ;0)
Been there. Glad you’re feeling more like yourself. Sometimes I think we do need time for ourselves to recharge our batteries, and we should decide that when we need to, it’s OK. There’s nothing wrong with being human.
I know what you mean. My projects are behind where I thought they would be, especially after getting not much done during the summer. It’s taken me a while to get back into the swing of things again.
I’ve also done this–been overwhelmed and ended up doing less.
I stick to my to-do list, even though it can be exhausting most of the time. Breaks are welcome, though. We all need to do our favorite things and take time off.
I do know the feeling of being swamped. I helps to get out of the house and get on top of the bills or just take some time to do something you love. Good for the soul. Cheers
Glad you’re feeling better. When I need to take a short break from writing, I turn my attention to other things I like to do, like reading or baking.
Just back off for 2-3 days. It provides a distance with the problem, decision or whatever. Then list your priorities and tackle what’s most urgent. Everything else takes a number.
Sometimes a break is just what you need to add a new energy to your writing. Great post today!
yay to feeling more like yourself!!! That’s wonderful to hear.
Coffee, chocolate, prayer, and good books!!!!
There’s life outside of writing? Just kidding. Energize yourself by having some time away from it.
I don’t blog half as much as I probably should, but with so much going on all the time I have to prioritize, and writing will always come before blogging with me. Glad to hear you’ve taken a breath
Do what you need to do. Your fans will always be here for you 
When you need perspective, pulling back seems the right way to ground yourself again. I hope everything fully falls into place for you soon!
I’m glad you’re feeling a little more like yourself. I understand that things can get overwhelming. There’s so much to do and not enough time, especially when the muse doesn’t cooperate. I need to step back from blogging so much myself. My escape is reading or cheesy TV.
Blogs are there to support our writing, not become the focus, so stepping back when things start to feel too much is probably the best thing to do. After all, you don’t want to stop writing or having a real life.
It always feels counterintuitive to do less, when I should be doing more, more, more, but when I feel overwhelmed that’s exactly what I do. A few days off, (no blogging, writing, critiquing, everything except reading!) puts it all back into perspective for me. In fact, I’ve found that taking time away has given me some big insights into my story that I might not have had otherwise.
Consistent small steps sometimes lead to more progress than the occasional sprint, so keep at it. I think you’ll be surprised by how much you get done!
Glad you’re feeling more like yourself and in control.
I usually don’t worry too much if I don’t get it all done, although if I’ve committed to something, I WILL find a way to finish it. And when all else fails, I just go play my guitar for a while and forget the world.
You have to pull back everyone once in a while to regroup. If I’m feeling overwhelmed I take a few days to myself and think of ways to get back to where I need to be. Baby steps. Even if I don’t hit my writing goals, I’m still getting stuff down on paper. I know deadlines are important, but if I miss one that I’ve set for myself I don’t let it get to me. Life’s too short to be miserable. Take care and good luck!
Wonderful, Tania. We all have to step back sometimes and take a break. Life is short, and you need to appreciate all you have. The writing will still be there when you return, and you’ll get back in the swing in no time!
Blogging less? You blogged yesterday! Slaps gobbles on the wrist hehe glad to hear you’re enjoying yourself and stressing less