As much as I love being a writer, there are times when the realization that I have taken on too much work suddenly hits me and I’m faced with several looming deadlines!
Nothing stilts the creative process more than anxiety and no writer likes to miss an important deadline as it appears unprofessional. Of course panicking inwardly is not the answer to solving the deadline crisis and in fact, it only adds ever increasing pressure to the situation. Mounting stress can cause writers block in abundance so the best way that I have found is to try and still the mind, eradicate those deadline concerns and open myself up to new potential answers.

One of the best proven methods to help stem the rising pressure on a personal level is yogic breathing exercises, used correctly, they can help to calm the nerves, still the mind and alleviate any stress headaches too.

I have also used affirmations to give my flagging confidence a boost when I am running out of time. Simple affirmations such as ‘I will complete this project on time and I will do it well’ can endorse inner confidence and focus the brain. If it sounds a bit far fetched, try it, I assure you it works, but you do need to say it regularly and with some conviction.

Simple meditation and visualization techniques also have great benefits and if used either last thing at night or first thing in the morning, can help ease the pressure and allow me to remain calm. Using essential oils are another benefit as they can either relax or increase mental alertness depending on the individual’s need at the time.

I’m sure other writers have their own tried and tested methods of beating deadlines but perhaps the best one of all would be to carefully select the projects which inspire you the most and have a carefully mapped out agenda to follow which will enable you to complete on time.

Annette Young is editor of www.creative-competitor.co.uk an inspirational writing resource for writers of all levels with a free weekly newsletter with author interviews, competitions, articles and festival news etc.
As a freelance writer, she specializes in writing articles and e-books for the complimentary health markets drawing on her qualifications as stress management, relaxation and addiction therapist.
Her blogs include: www.annette-young.com and www.write-fiction.com

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Annette Young
Freelance Writer/Editor

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