If you’re like me, you’re a self-starter who plans each day and often gets work done faster than anticipated. Qualities that can drive those close to us mad, but necessary qualities for solitary authors.

Still, there are those days when everything we touch seems to drop out of our fingers and progress is zilch for the day. Challenging days! Frustrating days!

Over the years, I learned that the more I struggled, the less I got done. I found the best way to deal with those difficult days is not to fight them. Instead of trying to be diligent and disciplined and on schedule, I let go. I don’t worry and I take it easy. By taking this break life is offering by causing nothing to go right, I am in a better frame of mind when I awake next morning.

That’s right. Strange as it seems, the best way for me when nothing goes right as an author is to not do “author” things. Instead, I do “enjoyable” things—even if the “thing” is staring into space while petting the cat or going swimming or having lunch with a friend or camping. These pleasing, enjoyable activities rejuvenate.

The break in routine refreshes. The break re-balances my equilibrium. The break gives a fresh viewpoint on my work. I become more productive in the long run. Instead of getting frustrated and fighting a losing battle, I give in, relax and have fun. After I’ve refreshed mind and body and come back to the keyboard, my prose sparkles.

Try it. You’ll like it.