The idea of working around my sleeplessness was a good one. I could work in the middle of the night if I was awake, and catch up on sleep during the day when the writing was done. Unfortunately it didn't really work like that. I still feel the need to conform to a 'regular' sleep pattern even though it's no longer necessary, and I don't want it to be necessary. I still go to bed at a semi-normal time but I lie awake, becoming stressed about the fact I could be doing something else. I usually fall asleep at around 2 or 3 am until about 6. Then during the morning I could sleep for Britain if I let myself. The problem is if I do let myself sleep more in the morning I become angry with myself and I'm not motivated to work when I get up at around midday. If I don't let myself sleep in the morning, I suffer with brain fog for several hours and I don't do any work. Basically the mornings are OUT when it comes to writing.
I'm not sure what the answer is. I want to work 6 or 7 good work hours most days, but whichever tactic I use, it doesn't seem to work. Maybe I just need to be more patient and this is all part of my depression working itself out. The writing work is good for that; it gives me something to focus on, but I still spend more time thinking and staring at the screen than I do actually writing.
A few people have asked me where I get my writing work from, most of it is from www.elance.com If you want to try them out, please use the badge below as they have a referral scheme, and every little helps!
A lot of people struggle to be productive in the mornings - myself included. Don't force it - accept that mornings are out and give yourself a break.
ReplyDeleteWhen you work from home (like I do) it can be difficult to find motivation and get into a routine. Have you tried writing a list of things to do for the following day? Sometimes when you do that you can then push all those things out of your mind.
You're only human - just pace yourself, don't put too much pressure on yourself and try not to worry about 'conforming' to the timetable society likes to thrust upon us! That's my philosophy, anyway!