The Write Mindset: Creating Mindful Writing Spaces

Monday, April 16, 2018 Instructor's Notebook , mindfulness No comments

As a Writing Instructor, a large part of my workday is spent writing emails, academic resources, and paper reviews. Because I work from home, some mornings the desire to hit snooze three times, roll from my bed to my couch, and write in my pajamas all day is too real! To avoid making a permanent indent in my couch, I’ve created a mindful writing space where I look forward to spending my day. I shaped this space by asking myself three questions.

What helps me to stay productive?

I know from experience that I cannot remain productive if I plop down with my laptop in front of the TV. I do my best work in a bright, organized space, (away from distractions) where I have everything I need. To create this space in my tiny apartment, I turned the dining room into my office. Out went the dinner table, and in went my over-sized, industrial work desk—one of my treasured, vintage finds. I have dual-monitors, which allows me to keep my email open on one screen and my paper reviews on the other. Spread out in front of me are my agenda, phone, to-do lists, and all of my favorite office supplies. With everything in arm’s reach, I never have to track down a pen or my phone. The light coming in from the windows and lamps keeps me alert, and if all else fails, I am only a couple steps away from the coffee maker.

What makes me feel comfortable?

For me, part of staying on task is making sure I am comfortable; otherwise, it is too easy for me to become distracted by the smallest things in my environment. For example, I get cold easily, so in the winter I set up a little space heater near my desk, and I always have a sweater handy. I enjoy working in a clean space, so I tidy up every morning before I even open my email. Also, I have a sensitive nose, and certain smells help me stay alert. For example, diffusing grapefruit essential oil throughout the day keeps me happy. These little steps make my workspace pleasant to work in, and they are comforting if I am having a particularly busy or stressful day.

What is and isn’t in my control?

While I have taken a number of steps to prepare my workspace for productivity and comfort, all of the preparing in the world may not solve a bad case of writer’s block. Some days, I write a new email and the words pour onto the screen. Other days, I can get stuck for hours writing a grammar tutorial. My thoughtfully curated workspace does not always help me write at 100%. On these occasions, I have to check-in with myself to figure out what’s going on. I ask myself if I’m hungry, or cold, or under-caffeinated, but if these basic needs have been met, then maybe something else is getting in my way. I could be stressed about another project or distracted by a personal matter. If this is the case, I actually step away from my writing space. I may take my dogs for a walk or head to the gym. I find that if I move to a completely different location, I can usually clear my head. On days where I am just stuck, and the only things I can control are my actions and thoughts, walking away from my writing and my desk helps keep my workspace a positive, productive place.

A Writing Space of One's Own

Share your writing space with us!

I hope sharing my writing space with you inspires you to create (or return) to your own mindful spot. Do you have a special nook set up in your home? Or, do you hunker down in your local coffee shop? Please share pictures of your writing space with us on our Facebook page, or describe your writing space for us in the comments below!

Tasha Sookochoff is a writing instructor in the Walden University Writing Center. Along with earning degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Stout and Depaul University, Tasha has written documentation for the U.S. House of Representatives that increases government transparency, blogged for DePaul University, copy-edited the Journal of Second Language Writing, tutored immigrants and refugees at literacy centers, and taught academic writing to college students.