Hey fellow wordsmiths! đ¤ Let’s talk about the magical moment when creativity flows effortlessly! When is the best time to write?
The Science Behind Optimal Writing Times
Discovering the optimal time to write and blog is crucial for establishing a regular writing practice. Scientists have extensively studied the connection between our body clock and creativity, and the consensus is clear: our creative brains are most active in the mornings, making it the ideal time for writing.
The concept of “morning pages” has gained popularity in recent years. Writing longhand, first thing in the morning, for about three pages allows you to freely express your thoughts without worrying about coherence or editing. This practice aims to stimulate creativity early in the day, as our prefrontal cortex, responsible for creativity, is most active during this time. Building momentum from this morning burst of creativity can keep your ideas flowing throughout the day.
On the other hand, if you consider yourself a night owl, don’t worry; science indicates that the analytical part of our brain is more active later in the day. So, nighttime writing sessions can be excellent for organizing thoughts, outlining structures, or editing earlier stream-of-consciousness pages.
Recognizing Your Internal Body Clock
Ultimately, individual differences play a significant role. We all have internal body clocks that classify us into three categories: “early-rising larks, night-dwelling owls, or somewhere in between.” It’s crucial to understand your own rhythm and align your writing time accordingly.
Embracing Flexibility in Your Writing Practice
Experimentation is key, especially when starting your writing practice. If the late afternoon leaves you sluggish and unproductive, avoid scheduling writing time then. Similarly, if mornings don’t work for you after multiple attempts, that’s okay too. Try different patterns, like dedicating a month to mornings and another to evenings. Determine which time produces the most words and, more importantly, the best words for you.
In the end, finding the best time to write and blog is a personal journey, so embrace your unique rhythm and allow your creativity to flourish at its peak.
#WritersWednesday Prompt
What is the best time to write for you?
Share your thoughts in the comments here or on Instagram or better still write a blog post of your own!
For me, it is after 11 am, when I have completed all my chores, that I can sit down to write in peace. That free mental and physical space is paramount if I have to get any writing done.
Shilpa Gupte recently posted…Do you write every day?