Eradicating Loneliness
Eradicating Loneliness
Not only do writers have to face mental problems, they also are confronted with social issues. So, let’s have a look at the main social hurdle a writer has to overcome
Isolation and its corollary, loneliness
Writing, whether freelance writing or fiction writing, is a solitary task. There are many advantages to this, such as the lack of distractions and the ability to work in (or out of) rattiest clothes, the total freedom in establishing a working schedule, the absence of a grumpy boss and many more, but there are disadvantages as well. Isolation can cause loneliness, lack of structure of valuable feedback. Here are some methods for dealing with these problems.
- Eating Lunch Out —Most friends and associates who have a nine-to-five job will be free for lunch, and your lack of a boss makes it easier to meet them on their schedule and still have time to eat. Schedule your errands around lunchtime limits the loss of working time and is also a great incentive to actually get around performing these errands that are so easily postponed.
- Joining Writers Groups — There are many groups that cater to writers, and many that cater to just about any professional. If there is no writer’s group in the vicinity, creating one is not overly complicated, through MeetUp or a similar social networking tool. Any such group should meet at least once a month.
- Maintaining Structure — The advantage of working at home is NOT working without a schedule, it’s the ability to create a tailor-made schedule. Then, the trick is to stick to it, as lack of structure leads to decreased productivity and depression.
- Taking a Part-Time or a Volunteer Job — Even for people who can afford to just write, having a part-time job is worth considering. If isolation is a debilitating problem, looking for a job enabling contact with many people might be a solution. It could even be a job that has nothing to do with writing, as long as it is not a draining job and does recharge the batteries.
- Joining a Health Club — Sitting in front of a computer eight to twelve hours a day isn’t exactly good for the body or mind. Exercising at the same time every day will not only add structure and regularity and improve health, but it will also help to make friends with a similar schedule, and with whom having a juice or a coffee after a workout will provide human contact and maybe lifelong friendships.
- Make Friends On-Line — The wonderful thing about having e-mail, Facebook and Twitter friends is the ability to take a break and write them whenever loneliness or isolation is interfering with work, and they can do the same. Also, on-line friends from writing forums etc can give feedback and actually help to overcome some writer’s block. The trick is, as for everything, to use social networks with moderation, as it is easy to lose entire days in meaningless chatter.
- Walking Outside –Sometimes, just stretching your legs and breathing a little fresh air will go a long way in restoring energy and getting the work done.
- Breaking The Routine – Schedules are essential, but breaking the routine every now and then to go out and do something that nine-to-five friends can’t afford to do because of their work schedule is invigorating. Going to a matinee, hiking, visiting a museum, having a picnic or whatever in the middle of the week is a treat one should indulge in every now and then. As long as it implies reworking the schedule of the day to make up for the leisure time, by starting earlier of working late for example.