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Outdoor Activities To Boost Your Writing Skills

By on May 21, 2018
Outdoor Activities To Boost Your Writing Skills - Writer's Life.org

Now that the weather is warming up and summer is around the corner it’s no fun being stuck indoors while struggling to get your work done.

Writing offers fantastic flexibility - you are your own boss, can set your own hours (and can work in your pyjamas without anyone judging you). However, it can be easy to get so into your writing that you look up, it’s 72 hours later, and you realise you haven’t left the house or spoken to another soul in days.

So instead of spending all your writing time hunched desperately over a computer trying to make the words come out, why not get outside into the fresh air and sunshine while still being productive and creative at the same time?

Here are some great outdoor activities you can do to boost your writing skills:

People watching

Getting out and about provides you with lots of people watching opportunities. Find a sunny, bustling spot and observe all the people from different walks of life who pass you by. Watching the way people move, how they dress, how they interact as well as listening in on conversations can provide you with loads of great material for your characters and story.

Country walks

Immersing yourself in nature can be truly inspiring. While the weather is favourable get out into the countryside, find some beautiful places to take a stroll and remember to bring your notebook with you so you can observe all the sights, sounds and smells while you go.

Exercise

Getting outside and moving around is great for your physical and mental health. A brisk walk, a jog, an outdoor gym, playing a team sport outside - whatever it is if you get out there and get fit, burn off some steam and de-stress you are likely to return to your desk feeling re-energised, refreshed and in a positive mindset. This will help you be more focused and productive when you get back to work.

An open top bus ride

If you’ve set your book in a particular place what better way to familiarise yourself with it then being a tourist for the day? Grab a notebook and head on a city tour on an open top bus where you can enjoy the benefits of being outside while getting familiarised with all the most important landmarks. Even if you haven’t set your story in a particular place, an open top bus provides a great spot to observe the ever-changing landscape of a city.

Working outdoors

The great thing about having a laptop is you can work just about anywhere. So next time the sun decides to make an appearance why not grab yours and head to the nearest outdoor cafe, park or even your own back garden to catch some rays while still sticking to your working hours?

So next time you are looking sadly at the bright sunshine outside while feeling you need to stay at your desk, remember you can enjoy the warmer weather, go outside and feel great while still being productive at the same time. So what are you waiting for? Grab your notebook, some sunscreen and get out there!

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

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