Self Care for Writers: Staying At Home

Introduction

There is no place like home!

This expression originates from 'The Bath Chronicle,' an English newspaper, in an article published in September 1781, saying: "But this maxim mind - No place like Home. For safety, will you find?"

The phrase was again use in the 1823 song 'Home, Sweet Home,' written by John Payne and Sir Henry Bishop. The line appears in the song as follows.

'Mid pleasures and palaces

Though we may roam,

Be it ever so humble,

There's no place like home.

A charm from the skies

Seems to hallow us there,

Which seek thro' the world,

Is ne'er met with elsewhere.

Home, home, sweet, sweet home,

There's no place like home,

There's no place like home."

What made it really really popular was the use of the phrase in The Wizard of Oz, released in August 1935. From the transcript of the script:

Glinda, the Good Witch of the North:

Then close your eyes and tap your heels together three times. (Dorothy taps her heels three times) And think to yourself "There's no place like home." (She waves her wand slowly)

Dorothy Gale:

There's no place like home. (She continues repeating the phrase and the spiral spins downward onto Dorothy. Then the farmhouse spins and falls back down to the ground. The film changes back into the sepia tone.)

And, nearly 90 years later, we humans still firmly believe that there is no place like home.

And I, a writer, can still firmly believe so. Yeah yeah yeah I talked about getting out there in the first post but now I'm talking about staying inside, okay? Here are some ways to incorporate writer-centric self care without getting out of your jammies.

Create the Writing Space of Your Dreams

Your writing space is an extension of your “mind palace” – a sanctuary that fosters creativity and flow. Start by defining what feels cozy and inspiring to you. Maybe it’s a small desk tucked into a window nook to see your flourishing garden. Maybe you're surrounded by bookshelves filled with alphabetically sorted fiction and chronologically sorted nonfiction. Maybe you'd prefer a white-walled cube with super-fast wifi for your computer and nothing else.

You have options.

When creating such a space, ask yourself:

Natural and organic or industrial and edgy?

Do I need peace and quiet for inspiration or do I thrive in the center of family/roommate chaos?

Bright and airy or warm and cozy?

Do I feel more productive in a structured workspace or an adaptable, flexible environment?

Do I prefer a writing area that’s minimalist and clear or full of trinkets and inspiration?

Is natural light essential for me, or do I enjoy a moody, softly-lit atmosphere?

Am I inspired by bold colors and patterns, or do I prefer neutral, calming tones?

Do I need to see my books and materials, or is it better when they’re neatly tucked away?

Add what you need in order to reach your writing environment goals.

Create a board of your ideal space on Pinterest and share it with me @takesonetowriteone!

Mindfulness App Subscriptions

Writing is a mental workout.

I'll say it again. WRITING IS A MENTAL WORKOUT.

And, like any exercise, it requires recovery time. Mindfulness apps like Calm, Headspace, or Insight Timer offer guided meditations that can help ease stress and bring focus.

Set aside a few minutes before or after writing to meditate. These apps can guide you through breathing exercises or visualization practices. These apps can help you reconnect with the present moment, clear mental blocks, and reduce stress, making your home environment feel peaceful and productive.

"But meditating doesn't work for me!" You and I both say.

I thought meditating was doing all that I could to clear my mind. To shush everything until this magical epiphany arrived on a chariot from the ✨white light of my inner mind.✨

But no. It's about sitting with your thoughts and acknowledging them until your mind is quieted. We as writers sit with our writing thoughts a lot, but maybe we don't give much attention to our personal thoughts. My mother and sovereign, Qveen Herby, perfectly encapsulates this practice in her song "Good Morning":

Moving forward on my path

When I encounter something that doesn't feel good

I will simply notice it, watch it

Remember to breathe

And say thank you to my guiding system

That allows me to adjust, pivot

And upgrade further

I'm clarifying what I want

A side note but a major point none the less: listen to Qveen Herby. Not just Good Morning but Vitamins, and Abracadabra and HOUSEWIFE and Mission and Chakras and Pre Roll, and New Bitch and Stretch Marks and Masterpiece and and and and AND

She'll get you feeling like the baddest bitch, and you are that bitch, so be that bitch bestie 💚

My point is, your body wants to protect you. Your anxiety is a bitch but that bitch also wants to protect you.

Your "writing brain" can get strong with writing workouts, but your brain will get stamina to handle those projects when your "not-writing brain" gets the care and exercise it needs. So give that squishy pink organ some love.

Smellscaping

Scent can have a powerful impact on our mood and mental state. According to PsychologyToday, "In your home office, lemon is a good scent to sniff—it has been tied to enhanced professional performance. The cinnamon-sugar smells of cinnamon rolls have been directly linked to a boost in creative performance."

I'm allergic to cinnamon, so you'll have to take their word for it.

If you need to relax, the staples of lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile will get you where you want to go.

Essential oil diffusers, candles, and incense offer solutions to making a scent environment quickly. Make it a ritual to light a candle or start your diffuser when you sit down to write; it becomes a small, grounding act that signals your mind it's time to get into a creative zone.

Some considerations:

Consider Sensitivities and Allergies, and Preferences 

Certain scents may trigger allergies or sensitivities in some individuals. CONSIDER WHAT SCENTS/METHODS MAY NOT BE GOOD FOR YOUR PETS

Don’t Go Overboard

Keep the "scentscape" light. The only thing worse than a bad-smelling environment is an environment that suffocates you with fragrance.

Keep Experimenting!

Don't be like Chanel in Scream Queens and only light a candle once, but also don't stick to something that isn't working for you. I really dig incense because I have a rationally irrational fear of candles and lighting things on fire. However, my space wasn't big enough for those long sticks or cones to burn through. I was able to find Incense Matches! The little matches burn for a minute or so and then they're done!

These give a quick scent to my space and I've literally Pavlov'd myself into being more productive this way. Hollyberry is my favorite. It's a softened blend of red, black, and yellow hollyberries with a hint of clove. Frankincense and Bayberry are also rad.

Healthy Sleep Habits

From an article on Sleep Advisor, a sleep study conducted by Soomi Lee, an assistant professor at the University of South Florida’s School of Aging Studies, states that participants with "insufficient rest reported symptoms that included anger, nervousness, loneliness, irritability, frustration over losing sleep, upper respiratory issues, body aches, and gastrointestinal issues."

Even with just one night of poor sleep! Also from the article: "Lee found that the most significant decline in cognitive and physical well-being occurred after the first night of sleep loss, and the symptoms remained at a steady, elevated level after consecutive nights of poor shuteye."

You don't need scientists to tell you that little sleep means upset writer. It means more coffee or tea is needed in your system. It means less emotional bandwidth for writing. Your "writing brain" is tired so your writing is tired. Your organs suffer. It's a snowball.

Now I'm not going to offer any hard and fast suggestions on what you should do. Your sleep needs are different from my sleep needs are different from everybody else's sleep needs. You know you best.

What I will say is that you should set boundaries around your work and meet those goals. Show up for yourself and follow through on the promises you make to your greater self. Consider unwinding an hour before bed. Read, but not your own work. Avoid screens entirely a hour beforehand. Consider journaling or listening to soothing music or a guided meditation. Get your brain in rest mode. Start these habits.

"Do you do that bullshit, Katherine?" you ask.

If I lie about doing any of these subjects, it's not sleeping. I prioritize sleep over just about everything. If my body needs a nap, girlie pop I nap—but not if it's after 3pm, then it messes with my big sleep. I'm so in tune with my cycle that I know what nights I'll need more sleep. My waking life has benefited tenfold. My skin glows. My hair has never been curlier.

That last claim is unfounded, but I wouldn't be surprised.

If you get nothing else from this blog post, understand that you need good, nourishing rest in order to be your very best.

Healthy Hydration and Snacks

I don't mess with my sleep and I don't mess with my snacks.

Stay hydrated. Drink more water than you think you need. Your body will start to recognize when it's dehydrated and you'll get better. It's all a process, you're human.

As far as snacks go, I used to reach for the salty crunchy fried and munchy snacks. However, since we're so focused on our writer brain in this post, I shall focus on nutrient-dense suggestions:

When you're brainstorming, the mind benefits from foods that promote mental clarity and creativity. Opt for snacks that are light yet rich in antioxidants to help sharpen focus without weighing you down. A gentle caffeine boost may also be beneficial.

Berries and mixed nuts, matcha green tea or black tea (my favorite is English Breakfast), apple slices with almond butter

In the drafting phase, your body needs steady energy to keep the words flowing. Snacks that offer a mix of protein and healthy carbs are perfect. They keep you going without getting the post-snack sleepies.

Greek yogurt with granola, whole-grain (low-sugar) crackers with hummus, banana with peanut butter

While editing and revising, you will require sustained focus, so choose snacks that offer a steady source of energy and help support concentration without distractions.

Roasted chickpeas, dark chocolate and walnuts, red bell pepper strips with guacamole

And, when all else fails, barter with gummy bears.

They're a favorite of mine. I've also done some classical conditioning on my writer brain to get motivated AF for those gelatinous ursi. Do you have a favorite special sweet? Who am I kidding, of course you do.

Digital Detox

As a writer, spending long hours at home often means being surrounded by screens – from your laptop to your phone, TV, e-reader, fridge, smart home console, video games, etc etc. While these devices are essential tools, too much screen time can lead to burnout, eye strain, and mental fatigue, all of which can stifle creativity and motivation.

A digital detox allows you to reset, giving you mental space to let ideas breathe. By scheduling regular breaks away from screens, you’re likely to find that your creativity flows more freely when you return.

Here’s how to start a simple, effective digital detox:

1. Schedule Regular Breaks

10-15 minute breaks every hour is an easy way to start. During these intervals, step away from all digital devices. Set a timer to remind yourself, and use this time to stretch, go outside, or simply sit with your thoughts. Short breaks like these can prevent eye strain, relieve stress, and boost mental clarity.

2. Create Digital Boundaries

Set specific times of the day when you disconnect from screens. You might start small by not using any screens an hour before bed or an hour after waking up. Show up for yourself and stick to these boundaries!

3. Go Analog for a Change

During your detox periods, try engaging in activities that don’t involve screens. Journal on paper, read a physical book, sketch, or brainstorm ideas with pen and paper. Tapping into these analog methods can feel refreshing and even help you break through creative blocks. It can also rekindle your love for writing without distractions.

4. Be Intentional with Your Screen Time

When you’re on screens, make every minute count. Plan your writing sessions, social media time, and research tasks to minimize "wandering" online. Consider using website blockers to avoid distractions and make it easier to stick to your screen-time goals.

Conclusion

There's no place like home to start your writing goals. Your mind palace can have extensions into reality with your own simple tweaks to fit your writing needs. How have you made your home fit your writing? Share below in the comments

Currently in her own mind palace,

Katherine Arkady