This post was first shared in issue 15 of the writing advice column of my newsletter These Sacred Words.

In so many areas of life we push and push and push ourselves until we can output quality work. In some instances we can work long hours and try our hardest until the result is exactly what we want.

However, I’ve found that it’s not necessarily the same with writing and other creative endeavors. Oftentimes we can push and push ourselves creatively until we hit a creative block. And sometimes the best way through that block actually isn’t to keep pushing on it.

Sometimes the very best thing for your writing is to step back and allow yourself some space.

To just stop and do something completely different. Take a walk. Go for a run. Read a book. Just take a break and breathe and listen to the sounds outside.

Sometimes mental space and rest are the best things in the world to reset your mind and spur creativity and inspire your writing.