Freelance writing when you feel like crap
Freelance writing gives you freedom, but it doesn't magically shield you from having bad days. It’s like riding a motorcycle; sometimes the weather turns unexpectedly, and you still have to get where you're going.
Whether you’re burned out, actually sick, physically drained, or just can't find the motivation, the reality is deadlines don't always care how you feel. You still need to deliver.
I’ve been there, and over time, I've figured out a few things that help me push through when I'm not feeling 100%. Maybe they can help you too.
Figure Out What Kind of 'Unwell' It Is
First things first, try to pinpoint why you feel off. Is your body physically tired, like after a long workout, or is it more in your head – a mental block, feeling uninspired, or just plain 'meh'? Knowing the difference helps you pick the right tool for the job.
Physical Slump: If your body is genuinely signaling it needs rest (and your deadline isn't breathing down your neck right now), sometimes a quick nap is the best medicine. Seriously. But other times, believe it or not, a little movement helps me.
Just a few pushups or squats to get the blood pumping. Also, don't forget the basics. Are you hungry? Dehydrated? Sometimes, I just need fuel. A slice of toast with peanut butter is my go-to, though I won't lie, sometimes a scoop of ice cream does the trick for a quick mental reset.
Mental Fog or Block: If it feels more mental or emotional, forcing it usually backfires for me. Rest still matters, but sometimes you need to shift gears mentally. Step away from the screen.
Do a simple chore like washing dishes. Sometimes, I even find bouncing ideas off an AI tool can help shake something loose when I feel stuck. It’s not about letting it write for you, but using it like a sounding board.
Start with a Map: Outline First
When you're feeling drained, staring at a blank page is daunting. This is where outlining saves me. Just jot down the main points, the flow of the article. Having that simple structure makes the actual writing feel less like climbing a mountain and more like following a path. It keeps me on track when my brain wants to wander.
Chop It Up: Small Steps Beat Big Hurdles
Don't try to tackle the whole assignment at once. Break it down into tiny, manageable pieces. Focus only on writing the introduction. Then maybe take a short break before doing the first main section. For me, seeing progress, even small bits, makes it easier to keep going.
Treat Yourself (Within Reason)
Motivation low? Reward yourself for finishing those small steps. A quick walk outside, five minutes of your favorite music, grabbing that snack you thought about earlier. Linking the effort to something pleasant, even small, can make a difference on those low-energy days.
Silence the Noise: Minimize Distractions
This seems obvious, but it's crucial when you're already struggling to focus. Put your phone on silent or, better yet, in another room. Clear your desk. If you can, let people know you need some uninterrupted time. Creating a focused space helps conserve the limited mental energy you might have.
Work in Bursts: Time Blocking and Breaks
Instead of trying for a marathon session, work in focused sprints. I find setting a simple timer for 45 or 60 minutes works best.
When the timer goes off, take a real break – step away, stretch, do something completely unrelated. Then reset the timer and go again. There are fancy apps for this, but honestly, a basic phone timer is less fuss and gets me started faster. Fewer buttons to press means less procrastination for me.
Lean on Your Research
If creativity feels miles away, shift focus to the mechanical parts. Gather your research, organize your notes, structure your points. Having the raw materials ready can make the writing process feel less dependent on inspiration and more about assembly.
Embrace the 'Good Enough' First Draft
Give yourself permission to write badly. Seriously. The goal when you're feeling unwell is just to get something down on the page. You can always edit and polish later when you're feeling better.
Trying for perfection when you're already running on fumes is just setting yourself up for frustration. Just get the words out.
Find Your 'Why': Tap Into Deeper Motivation
Sometimes, the usual tricks aren't enough. When the fatigue feels deep, or you're questioning why you're even doing this, you need to dig deeper. Ask yourself: Why does this work matter?
For me, sometimes the motivation isn't just about earning money, it's about avoiding a negative outcome. I reframe it: 'Every article I finish is one day my family isn't going hungry.' That shift, connecting my effort directly to taking care of my loved ones, often cuts through the mental fog like nothing else.
It taps into something fundamental.
Figure out what your deep motivator is – maybe it's proving something to yourself, building financial security, or helping your clients succeed. Connect the task to that bigger purpose.
Check Your Engine Light: Consider Your Overall Well-being
These tips are for getting through the occasional rough patch. If you find yourself constantly feeling burnt out, dreading the work, or needing these strategies every day, that's a different issue.
That's your engine light flashing. It might be a sign you need a real break, need to adjust your workload, set better boundaries, or look at your overall mental health. Pushing through constantly isn't sustainable. Listen to what your body and mind are telling you.
It’s like maintaining that motorcycle – sometimes you just need to top up the fluids or adjust the chain (like outlining or taking breaks). Other times, you realize there's a deeper issue that needs attention before you can ride safely again (like addressing burnout).
We all have off days; the key is having a plan to manage them without letting them derail you completely, while also knowing when to step back and take care of yourself.