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Life Hacks for Writers

1. Do a series of short exercises every day. Doesn't have to be long. Even 15–30 minutes of walks every day could be transformative. Do body weight exercises (squats, pushups, pullups), if it works for you.

2. 10 minutes of meditation every day (perhaps first thing in the morning). Use an app for guided meditation: Headspace, Calm, or Waking Up (I use the latter).

3. When writing, read aloud after first draft. Edit for flow.

4. Don't take criticism from someone you wouldn't take advice from.

5. Design your environment for success. Arrange your workplace the day before.

6. If you need a tool, buy the cheapest one or the easiest one to find. If you end up using it extensively, then buy the best one. Another one I like is: frugality about things you don't care about, lavishness on things dear to you (hat tip to Ramit Sethi).

7. Decide a reset (for example a 5 minute walk or a breathing exercise). Use it every 30 min or every hour, while writing.


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