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Advice for writers

Self-Care for Writers: Maintaining Creativity During Seasonal Changes

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How to Maintain Creativity in the Fall

As the golden hues of fall take over and the days grow shorter, many writers find themselves in a unique emotional space. Seasonal changes can inspire bursts of creativity, but they can also bring challenges—fatigue, distractions, and a touch of autumnal gloom, anyone? So how are we to maintain creativity during such a time?

This post will explore practical self-care tips to help you maintain your creativity and productivity as the autumn winds blow. Writers, take a deep breath, grab your pumpkin-spiced beverage, and let’s dive into the art of nurturing both your creative mind and well-being during this season.

How Do Seasonal Changes Impact Creativity?

With autumn’s arrival, our surroundings shift dramatically—cooler temperatures, shorter days, and the allure of warm blankets (and naps) all contribute to a different rhythm. For writers, this transition can either serve as a source of inspiration or an unwelcome creative block. But why?

The Science Behind Seasonal Slumps

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression related to changes in seasons, affects an estimated 5% of U.S. adults each year, with many more experiencing milder symptoms, such as fatigue and low energy. Even if you don’t struggle with full-blown SAD, the shorter days and less sunlight can impact your mood and energy levels. And, as any writer knows, when your energy dips, so does your creativity.

Autumn may also bring about a psychological shift. The season often triggers feelings of nostalgia, loss, or melancholy, as the natural world around us begins to wind down. While these emotions can feed into rich, introspective writing, they can also drain us emotionally, making self-care even more crucial during this time.

How to Maintain Creativity: Self-Care Practices

Caring for your mental and physical well-being during the fall season is essential for staying productive. Below are several practical tips designed to help you maintain your writing mojo while ensuring you don’t burn out faster than a jack-o’-lantern after Halloween.

1. Embrace a Routine

One of the best defenses against seasonal lethargy is a stable routine. But let’s not make it boring—think cozy! Craft a writing schedule that respects your creative flow but also builds in time for self-care. Early mornings may not be everyone’s favorite (especially as daylight shrinks), but setting aside a regular time to write can train your brain to become more creative on command.

Actionable Tip: Set up a writing space that feels autumnal and comforting. Light a candle, wrap yourself in a blanket, or position your desk by a window so you can soak up any natural light. Make your writing time something you look forward to, even if it’s only for 30 minutes each day.

2. Move Your Body to Move Your Mind

As temperatures drop, it’s easy to curl up indoors, but movement is key to keeping both your energy and creativity levels up. Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and even boost creative thinking. In fact, a Stanford study found that walking could increase creative output by an average of 60%.

Actionable Tip: Try taking a short walk before or after your writing sessions. Bonus points if you head outdoors to experience the fall foliage firsthand. The fresh air and movement will clear your mind, and you might even stumble upon some unexpected inspiration in the process.

3. Set Seasonal Goals

While we all love the satisfaction of hitting a word count goal, it’s important to set other meaningful goals that account for your well-being, too. How about incorporating seasonal milestones into your writing life? For example, instead of focusing purely on output, aim to enjoy the process of fall-themed journaling, or commit to finishing a draft by the first snowfall (no pressure, just fun!).

Actionable Tip: Write down two to three seasonal self-care goals to complement your writing goals. Examples might include “journal for 10 minutes every day” or “watch a sunset after completing a writing session.” By focusing on experiences that enrich your mental state, you’ll help support your creativity.

4. Nourish Yourself—Yes, That Includes Snacks

Autumn is the season of harvest, so why not harvest some healthy habits along the way? When it comes to maintaining creativity, proper nutrition plays a more significant role than we often acknowledge. Avoid the temptation of sugary snacks and caffeine crashes. Instead, fuel your body with balanced meals that provide sustained energy, like hearty soups, nuts, and leafy greens.

Actionable Tip: Keep brain-boosting snacks nearby when writing, such as almonds, dark chocolate, or an apple. And, of course, the occasional indulgence in a warm cup of cider or pumpkin-spiced treat won’t hurt either!

5. Combat Seasonal Fatigue with Light and Rest

If your mood and energy take a nosedive with the waning daylight hours, consider adding more light into your life—literally. Light therapy lamps mimic natural sunlight and can be effective in improving mood and productivity. Alongside light therapy, be sure to get adequate sleep, as sleep deprivation can dull creativity and motivation faster than an unfinished manuscript.

Actionable Tip: Invest in a light therapy lamp and use it during your morning writing sessions. On top of that, try to stick to a regular sleep schedule. No all-nighters! Creativity flows better when you’re well-rested.

Can Seasonal Changes Actually Inspire My Writing?

Absolutely! In fact, seasonal transitions often bring about profound creative insights. Many writers draw inspiration from the shifting seasons as metaphors for life’s cycles—birth, growth, decay, and renewal. Autumn, in particular, is rich with symbolic meaning: it invites reflection, contemplation, and an appreciation for the passage of time.

Famous Examples of Fall-Inspired Writing

From John Keats’ “To Autumn” to the wistful scenes in Ray Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes, autumn has served as a source of creative inspiration for centuries. You don’t have to pen a literary classic to reap the rewards of this seasonal muse—sometimes, simply aligning your writing with the natural world can spark your next big idea.

Maintaining Creativity and Nurturing Your Mind

While the fall season brings its share of challenges—colder weather, shorter days, and a touch of melancholy—it’s also a time ripe with creative potential. By establishing routines, caring for your physical and mental health, and embracing the beauty of the season, you can harness autumn’s energy to fuel your writing projects.

Take time to set seasonal goals, enjoy fall’s natural wonders, and, most importantly, allow yourself the space to rest and recharge. With these practices, you’ll keep your creative flame burning brightly, no matter how cool the weather gets!


EKB author photo 1

Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.

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