Freelance Writing Guide to Limiting Computer Time for Greater Productivity

When it comes to our freelance writing careers, most of us spend the entire day at the computer. We check email, write queries, and use word processing programs to complete the bulk of our assignments. But, have we ever had a situation where we were forced to spend some time without our computers either because we didn't have internet access, or it broke?

This has happened to me on several occasions. It's tough at first. We're so used to our computers, that it's hard to find things to do that don't involve it. But I've learned from experience that forcing ourselves away from technology actually benefits our careers, not hurts them.

A Greater Sense of Balance

It is easy to let our freelance writing careers put our lives out of balance. We think that every free moment we have needs to be spent working. So instead of cleaning, exercise, grooming, or even eating, we work. This is not good.

Stepping away from the computer and doing something else will help put us back in balance. I choose one day a week where I take time off from working. It recharges my mind and helps me use my time more efficiently. I exercise more, I eat well, and I spend time with my family.

One thing that can help is to make a list of all the aspects of your life that feel disorganized and out of balance and make sure you give yourself ample time during your week to work on them.

Living a Richer Life

As writers, we get most of our ideas from our personal lives. If we work all the time, we run out of ideas. In order to be able to write, we need to experience. And we can't experience if we're working the whole time.

It helps to schedule time each day or each week to turn of your computer. Do something for yourself. Go for a walk. Take a bath. Plant some flowers. Go out for dinner. Make sure you bring your journal along so you can write down any ideas.

Journaling to Creativity

A journal is a powerful tool. There's something about writing longhand that can spark creativity. Use unlined paper and this opens you up even more because you aren't constrained by the lines provided. Do writing exercises. Observe the world around you. Jot down any ideas or thoughts. Write a poem.

Keeping a journal on the computer doesn't have the same effect. Turn off your computer at least once a day and find an inspiring place to write. Let yourself write whatever comes to mind. Then, go back through it later to extract all those little bits that can be turned into an article or story.

Beat Stress

Although helpful, technology can also be stressful. Yes, computers, laptops, email, cell phones and our personal electronic organizers do make our jobs easier. But what happens when the phone rings all day and you check your email on an almost minutely basis? This can promote stress. It isn't necessary to respond to every call and email you get as soon as you get them. In fact, it can cause stress.

Checking email only a few times a day and letting voice mail pick up your calls can help you relax. Stress hurts creativity. When you are relaxed you can be more productive with your writing time and it is easier to come up with new ideas.

Greater Productivity

Spending time away from your computer and from email every now and then does enhance productivity. I know it seems hard to believe. I mean, it seems like you need to actually be at your computer in order to get things done. And sometimes, the longer I sit there, the less productive I am. Staring at the screen all day gets tiring.

At that point, I know I should switch off the computer and do something else. It's time to take a break and at the very least do some housework. But when I take a REAL break away from the computer and take out my journal or get so me exercise, that is when my mind starts to organize my thoughts and ideas and I am better able to return to my work refreshed and more productive.

Small Steps

Intrigued? You may want to start with small steps. Try taking a few ten minute breaks throughout your work day. Build up to taking an entire day off. You will be more creative and productive and have a lot more things to write about because you will be experiencing life.