How to Stay Sane & Happy During the Holidays!
As the last post of the year, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who’s participated in this blog. Whether you're a regular reader, or just dropped in to check out a post or two, thanks for being here (and for asking some great questions on Twitter!).
I wish all of you a restful, rejuvenating end to the year with plenty of quality time to destress, reflect, and get ready to step into 2023 feeling refreshed and ready to hit the ground running. This has been such a crazy busy summer and fall that I’m taking the last 3 weeks of December off. Not even looking at emails. I did it last year and it was amazing... although I came home to over 900 emails! But I made it through and it was well worth it to disengage so completely.
That being said, I know a lot of screenwriters reading this plan to keep writing during the holidays (either because it helps them stay sane or because they are facing an ‘oh so fun’ early January deadline).
So, as we enter into the marathon that is late-December, here are a few tips on how to balance writing, social obligations, and self-care during the holiday season:
1. Write first thing in the morning.
I know getting up early isn’t for everyone (especially during dark winter mornings). But I find this is one of the best ways to get in some writing no matter where you are. That quiet time before everyone else gets out of bed is a great opportunity to work undisturbed. Even if it's just for 30 minutes. Plus if you get your work done early you can feel good for the rest of the day.
2. Find a “writing corner”.
When we’re not in our own homes, it can be hard to find a place to focus and get work done. If you’re staying with friends or family this season, make a point to find a “writing corner”. Maybe it’s a quiet desk in a guest bedroom, or a tucked away table at a local coffee shop. Wherever it is, having a dedicated place to write will help you focus amidst the chaos of the holidays and help you keep work time separate from family and rest time. Not to mention giving you an excuse to get out of the house... just sayin’.
3. Ease up on your expectations.
No matter how well you manage your writing routine, the holidays are always crazier than most of us anticipate. Do your sanity a favor and be realistic about your expectations and your time. Whether you’re writing to a self-imposed deadline or an exec-imposed deadline, don’t try to be so much of an over-achiever that it bites you in the butt. Set a deadline (either with yourself or with your producer or exec) that actually seems doable among social obligations and rest time. I’m not saying slack off if you're on a paying gig, but lowering your expectations just a bit will help you (and your employer) avoid frustration.
4. Refuse to feel guilty for taking a break.
The thing about being a screenwriter is you can technically work from anywhere at any time. Which means a lot of writers beat themselves up for not writing 365 days a year. All that inner drive is great, but remember, screenwriters deserve a holiday just like everyone else. In fact, even if you want to keep writing over the holidays, find time to fit in a break as well. Read, cook, take a bath, see friends! Even if it’s just for an hour of self-care - take the time to rest and recharge your creative batteries - it will do you wonders.
5. Stay healthy.
I know I sound like a Jewish mother – probably because I am one – but even if you have a busy work and/or social calendar, try to fit in activities to help you de-stress and stay emotionally and physically healthy: exercise (even if it's just a walk around the block for 5 minutes and a few deep breaths), get enough sleep (you can’t be on your A-Game come January if you’re burned out from the holidays), maybe even try a daily journaling practice to help you stay positive (writing ‘three things you’re grateful for’ or ‘five things that went well today’).
However you spend your holidays, I wish you all a restful end to the year so you can hit the ground running in 2023 and achieve those new year’s goals!
Do you take a break over the holidays or keep up your writing routine? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!
For more industry info and tips check out these additional resources:
For the ultimate guide to pitching a TV show that sells, check out my e-book, The Ultimate Guide to a Killer Pitch
To learn how to create your “personal logline” read my free e-book, Tell Your Story in 60 Seconds.
For my in-depth video course on breaking into the business go to: Carole Kirschner’s Hollywood Boot Camp.
And you can find my book, Hollywood Game Plan on Amazon or at Michael Wiese Productions (MWP).