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.
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.
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).
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).
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...
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.
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
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.
I make a cup of tea or coffee depending on what time it is. A long hot shower and some tunes helps too.
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.
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
Write, read, play video games, listen and play music, draw. Creative stuff to get my mind to relax but develop.
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!)
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.
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.
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.
