Unraveling the Ultimate Self-Care For Mystery Writers

I might weave some incredible plot twists into the lives of my main character and their friends, however, when my life gets twisted, it isn’t easy to take a break. What would a break from writing even look like? How would a mystery writer spend a day of self-care? I’m glad you asked.

Morning

1. Wake Up Like a Snoozing Cat:
   • Alarm Clock: Ignore it completely. Pretend it’s a plot device in one of your stories that’s meant to drive you mad. Let your inner feline take over and snooze until you’re ready.
   • But Seriously: If you’re like me, your brain runs even in your sleep. Shut down and reboot a bit.
2. Breakfast Extravaganza:
   • Pancake Wonderland: Make pancakes so fluffy they could double as pillows. Top them with enough syrup to create a miniature river. Add sprinkles for that “I’m still in pajamas” vibe.
   • But Seriously: Do something nice for yourself. Sit and eat breakfast no matter the time of day.
3. Exercise, the Cozy Way:
   • Creative Aerobics: Do a “Chair Dance” while listening to your favorite mystery podcast. Bonus points for over-the-top dramatic moves like “The Murder Mystery Tango.”
   • But Seriously: Move writer, move. But make it fun… a slow walk or a dance competition. Move in a way that’s refreshing, not burdensome.

Midday

4. Mystery Marathon:
   • Reading Break: Grab a cozy mystery novel and read with the intensity of a detective unraveling a crime. Bonus points if you wear a detective hat and mutter, “Aha!” periodically.
   • But Seriously: Take off the writer hat and just enjoy the books you love to write. Really. Take off the writer’s hat. You can do it.
5. Lunch with a Plot Twist:
   • Unexpected Delights: Create a sandwich with an unusual combination (like peanut butter and pickles) and call it “The Mystery of the Unlikely Ingredients.” Pretend it’s a top-secret recipe.
   • But Seriously: Make it simple and yummy using as few dishes as possible. Future you says thanks.
6. Creative Shenanigans:
   • Artistic Escapade: Try your hand at writing an absurdly silly mystery story where the villain is a rogue garden gnome. Illustrate it with crayon doodles for added charm.
   • But Seriously: Don’t forget to feed your creativity. Just forgo the scribe in you. Do something else. Me? I like to crochet.

Afternoon

7. Spa Day with a Twist:
   • Bath Time Shenanigans: Draw a bubble bath and invite rubber ducks for a “quack-tastic” party. Sing show tunes to your rubber duck audience as you soak.
   • But Seriously: Lounge a while. Stretch a bit.
8. Hobby Hop:
   • Unusual Hobby Time: Engage in a hobby you’ve never tried before, like competitive sock knitting or extreme jigsaw puzzling. Imagine the world championships and train like an Olympic athlete.
   • But Seriously: Do something strange that you enjoy. I like melting wax seals and then peeling them off paper. It’s fun, simple, and makes no sense whatsoever.

Evening

9. Dinner Drama:
   • Themed Meal: Prepare dinner while narrating it like a dramatic mystery novel. “As the pot simmered, a secret ingredient was added. Would it be the plot twist of the evening?”
   • But Seriously: Take out or go out! No cooking after breakfast. Not today.
10. Cozy Cinema Night:
    • Movie Madness: Watch a classic cozy mystery movie and wear an over-the-top detective outfit. Take notes as if you’re critiquing the plot for inaccuracies.
    • But Seriously: Yes, yes, and yes. Get those fuzzy socks on and pop in something wonderful. I’m thinking Jimmy Stewart or Cary Grant. Or if I’m feeling angsty, I may watch Edward and Bella.
11. Journaling with Flair:
    • Plot Twist Journal: Write your reflections in your journal as if you’re the protagonist of a mystery novel, complete with cliffhangers and dramatic reveals.
    • But Seriously: Writing can be lonely. Dump all the feels onto the page with no plot or structure. However, be sure to end the session with a healthy heap of gratitude.
12. Bedtime Shenanigans:
    • Sleep like a Sleuth: End the day with a bedtime routine so luxurious it should come with its own theme music. Slip into bed with a “Case Closed” sign hanging on your door.
    • But Seriously: Go to bed mystery mastermind. Turn on some ambient sounds, pray, and shut off the light. You’ve got writing to do tomorrow.

With this plan, you’ll not only refresh your mind but also have a few laughs along the way! A little bit of levity and a brain break or three will get you right back into the thick of things in no time. Your main character can wait. The villain won’t escape. Unless your outline says he will.

I hope this inspired you to write a self-care day into your planner. Let me know what you do when your take your day off.

Check out this video about energy budgeting and how it’s helping me overcome writer’s block brain