What Your Writer’s Bodymind Needs

For optimal writing conditions, think about what would make your bodymind feel safe, joyful, and encouraged to play. Think about what makes you feel good. 

When do you realistically have time to write? When do you feel the most energy to write? For some people this may mean the morning, or late at night, or specific hours of the afternoon.  

Does your bodymind feel most comfortable writing using voice notes, speech-to-text or other specific writing software, writing on your phone in transit, recordings of you signing, writing in your favourite font? Do you need to set a timer for writing if you (like myself) are neurodivergent, and need additional impetus to begin the damned thing? 

Where and how do you write? As a chronically ill person, I write in bed with pillows behind me, and easy access to hydration. Some people love lively cafés, some their favourite living room chair. Some write in silence, some need specific background music. 

Go through all the senses you use (which of course is different from person to person; take what applies to you and leave the rest): 

• Sight – What do you need to see on your screen? Your notebook? Around you? Do you need pictures of loved ones or your favourite books nearby, as motivation? Do you need ambient crowds in your periphery, or total solitude? 

• Sound – What sounds do you write best around? Any particular background music? Do you need as much quiet as possible (and therefore perhaps a Do Not Disturb sign, or known hours you cannot be contacted in)? 

• Touch – What fabric textures do you need around you (your favourite shawl, perhaps)? Do you need a certain number of cushions behind you? What pieces of furniture do you write best in or near? 

• Taste – Do not underestimate the importance of snacks to some writers. Or perhaps you need to chew gum while you write. No judgment here. 

• Smell – This is your permission to put on some scented candles or your favourite lotion, if you find them conducive to writing. 

The poet Noa Micaela Fields (hat tip to poet Saleem Hue Penny for introducing me to this brilliant piece of advice) says, ‘Do something that makes you feel 20% more comfortable.’ Remind yourself to do this often, and best of luck with writing in a way that protects and cherishes your bodymind! I firmly believe that’s when we do our best work.