The perfect weather for writing

February can be a bleak month. How do you overcome periods of

lethargy and re-energize yourself creatively and otherwise?

by Dietrich

The cold months might just be the best time for writing, the bleak of

winter driving me indoors and to my desk, while the nicer weather’s

more likely to tempt me outdoors with all of its balmy distractions.

Personally, I like the changing seasons and I try to make peace with

whatever it’s doing out there, even when it’s cold and wet for long

stretches. Inside, it’s always warm and toasty, and it’s where I can

write up a storm of my own. 

I don’t often feel lethargic at this time of year, but there are things I

would consider to shake off any doldrums that might show up.

Pursuing another creative outlet can be rewarding and also re

energizing. I’m often working on different art projects or I’m

picking up my guitar and noodling away. 

Sometimes, it’s nice to just get out and go for a coffee with friends.

Or, if it’s raining sheets, I might turn on all the lights in the house,

put on the fire, turn up the heat and bake a batch of cookies and

make the place smell nice. Cookies have a way of fixing any gray

mood.

A visit to the gym or going for a long walk can keep me from

feeling like a sloth. And it’s a heck of a way to work off that

impending big cookie-butt too.

Laughter is also a great way to avoid the glum. Switching on South

Park and watching Kenny get killed again and again is always good

for a chuckle — as is watching comedians like Dave Chappelle,

Jimmy Carr, Greg Davies and Sarah Millican. 

And filling the air with great music — playing tunes that feel

empowering or ones that evoke happy memories — it’s uplifting

and has a way of transforming any dull mood.

Writing a to-do list and ticking off things that I’ve accomplished is

yet another way to counter feelings of inaction and boost my mood

— just look at all the things I’ve done today! 

And a nice reward for those earned ticks is to put on a record and sit

by that warm fire with a good book, one that might also inspire me

to get back to writing.