1. Blackwaltz

    Blackwaltz New Member

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    What do you do to relax?

    Discussion in 'The Lounge' started by Blackwaltz, Nov 24, 2009.

    When I'm writing I tend to wind myself up and need to stop and take a breather before I can continue. Usually pacing the house and then sitting back down works, but it isn't right now so I'm curious; what do you do to calm down and focus.
     
    cydney likes this.
  2. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    I read
     
  3. Link the Writer

    Link the Writer Flipping Out For A Good Story. Contributor

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    I usually just play videogames and surf the internet, or work on my journals. I know, irony. XD
     
  4. madhoca

    madhoca Contributor Contributor

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    I sit on the balcony and gaze at the mountains, the bay, or the park across the way. Or I watch the life going on in the streets below. There's always something to see, I just let my mind drift.
     
  5. Link the Writer

    Link the Writer Flipping Out For A Good Story. Contributor

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    I think the best thing to do is go outside, rest against a tree and mediate. Don't think about anything but the immediate area (noise wise).
     
  6. Speedy

    Speedy Contributor Contributor

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    If i loose focus i generally listen to music (the ones i know that get me into a good place before i even start), i read (usually poetry). Or i take a shower (I write odd hours, thus its good at waking me up or calming me down - i heard water is good for bringing out the sub concious, a lot of writers have mentioned it).

    Reading and music seem the best options though (for me).
     
  7. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    i never need to take a break to 'calm down' or to 'focus'... but if i need a physical break, due to a stiff neck, an aching back, or whatever, i'll stretch out with a nyt sunday crossword, or acrostic, or just watch a bit of the news, or whatever else is interesting, on the tv...
     
  8. NaCl

    NaCl Contributor Contributor

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    I play online poker using small sums of money that I don't care if I lose. It's fun to see if I can figure out the patterns of behavior of the other players and predict their choices.
     
  9. ManhattanMss

    ManhattanMss New Member

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    When I'm writing, it's hard for me to think of doing anything else but writing. More typically, I'd have other things that require my attention or reasons why I can't continue (writing), which would interfere with my focus. I don't remember ever feeling like I needed a break FROM writing. In my usual life, if I know I don't have the kind of time to focus on writing without being pulled away and if I have a few minutes, I "relax" by coming in here to find something of interest and, hopefully, even something I can use as an excuse to write--if only a post.

    Like now:)
     
  10. HorusEye

    HorusEye Contributor Contributor

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    I don't take breaks from writing. Writing is a break from everything else.
     
  11. Gigi_GNR

    Gigi_GNR Guys, come on. WAFFLE-O. Contributor

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    My favorite TV shows. Nothing better than plopping down in front of Grey's Anatomy, The Office, etc.

    Also, looking at the sunset inspires me. And reading. And coming on this site. :)
     
  12. Twisted Inversely

    Twisted Inversely New Member

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    Nice :)

    When the magic creative juice isn't flowing I usually read, or take the dog for a walk.
     
  13. InkDream

    InkDream Active Member

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    I make a cup of tea or coffee depending on what time it is. A long hot shower and some tunes helps too.
     
  14. sidtvicious

    sidtvicious Contributor Contributor

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    hot shower, cup of coffee, and a cigarette.
     
  15. bruce

    bruce Active Member

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    I nap. :D
     
  16. Jaybrownuk

    Jaybrownuk New Member

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    I usually go for a walk to get some ideas and fresh air, If not that then i just watch some TV.
     
  17. bluebell80

    bluebell80 New Member

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    A beer, a cigarette, and about an hour of silence. On really bad days the beer is replaced with something at least 40 proof. lol I swear, I'm not an alcoholic...alcoholics think they have a problem, I'm just a drunk.
     
  18. thewordsmith

    thewordsmith Contributor Contributor

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    I second that emotion!
     
  19. 180films

    180films Banned

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    Go the opposite way.

    To break from writing, I try and do something that is the opposite. Writing is internal - go external, outside. I suggest a beach, forest, etc etc. Writing is quiet, solitary and stationary - do something physical and interactive.

    Honestly, I have a big problem in remembering to take breaks. Yet when I plan the breaks in my daily routine, my writing flows much better.

    Erik
     
  20. TimAyro

    TimAyro New Member

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    Write, read, play video games, listen and play music, draw. Creative stuff to get my mind to relax but develop.
     
  21. LadyLazarus

    LadyLazarus New Member

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    I listen to synth-pop, doodle, and get head rushes.
     
  22. Operaghost

    Operaghost New Member

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    I like this idea, i love greys anataomy and both versions of the office (its a rare example of an american adaptation of a classic british series that is actually good!)
     
  23. jlauren

    jlauren New Member

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    What do I do when I need a break - I clean. I know, I know. It's weird. But cleaning/tiyding my house is relaxing for me. I think it has something to do with exercising control over the things I own. I can't control what happens out there or what other people do/say, but I can keep my living space clean :) I also can't work properly when there is mess. I find it hard to concentrate.
     
  24. TimAyro

    TimAyro New Member

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    I used to have clean outbursts. I'd get mad and start doing my laundry, making my bed, cleaning dishes...

    It was so weird.

    But hopefully I'll have more of those since I am moving out and living alone for me first time.:eek:
     
  25. marcusl

    marcusl New Member

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    Since writing is mentally exhausting, I like to take a break from it by doing physical activities, such as sprinting, or playing basketball. I also read and play video games.
     

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