Why Taking a Break from Writing Might Be Exactly What You Need (Yes, Even When You're Behind)

I have more self-imposed deadlines than I probably should have. But despite this, I know that sometimes, the best thing you can do for your writing is nothing at all.

I know it sounds counterproductive, especially when the pressure to write consistently feels like it’s coming from all sides (mostly from my own brain, to be honest). But stepping away from the page has often done more for my creativity than hours of staring at it ever could.

When You’re Too Tired to Write

There are days when I sit down to write, and nothing happens. No spark, no genius ideas — just me, wondering if I’ve forgotten how to string words together. On those days, I’ve found that stepping away is usually the best choice.

Here’s what works for me: I’ll take my dog for a walk or do something completely unrelated to writing, like losing to my son at a video game, or, let’s be honest, scrolling through my phone. And weirdly enough, it’s during those breaks when ideas start to bubble up. It’s as if giving my brain space to wander lets creativity find its way back in.

Low-Pressure Scribbles

If you’re worried about not writing (because I know that anxiety all too well), there’s a middle ground. On the days I don’t feel like working on a project, I make random notes. These are not polished, structured, or even meant to be read by anyone else — just messy scribbles of ideas, a bit of dialogue, or thoughts I don’t want to forget.

These notes don’t feel like writing, at least not in the traditional sense. But they keep the wheels turning, even if only in the background. And when I’m ready to dive back in, those little bits of inspiration are there waiting for me. Some of my best ideas have come from those scribbles on “off” days.

The Pressure of Self-Imposed Deadlines

Let’s talk about the guilt. When I take a break, I always have this nagging feeling like I’m letting myself down or falling behind. But here’s the thing — most of that pressure? It’s coming from my own deadlines. Deadlines that I created.

It sounds ridiculous when I say it out loud, but I’ve realized that giving myself a break doesn’t mean I’m abandoning my goals. In fact, I’ve found that stepping away, even for a short time, often helps me come back more motivated and with a clearer sense of where I want my story to go. It’s like my brain just needed some space to sort things out on its own.

Breaks Aren’t the Enemy

The biggest thing I’ve learned is that taking a break isn’t the enemy of progress. For me, it’s often the key to making progress. The pressure to be productive all the time can be overwhelming, and the more I lean into it, the less creative I feel. But when I step away and give myself permission to breathe? That’s when the best ideas tend to show up.

So, if you’re feeling stuck or anxious about not writing, maybe it’s time to try something different. Take a break, make some low-pressure notes, or go for a walk with your dog. You might find that when you come back, the words flow a little easier, and the story you’ve been struggling with starts to make more sense.

It’s worked for me — maybe it’ll work for you, too.