When I'm deep in the writing zone, sometimes words just stop flowing. When I reached that point in the past, I would read my book or go for a walk with the dogs. These days, I keep my reading for pleasure for my bedtime... and the dogs are too old to get excited for multiple walks during the day, so I use doodling or painting — or both — as a way to relax and reset. This gives the language-processing side of my brain a much-needed break. It’s calming, stress-relieving, and can even spark new ideas. I'm not an artist. I just grab a pencil and scribble away — sketching elements from my story or from my life and using color to add an extra layer of calm. I also do collaging from time to time. These creative outlets let my brain relax while keeping the inspiration alive. There are no rules, no pressure — just a fun way to recharge so I can return to my writing with fresh eyes and a clearer mind.
