The 5S that make you a better writer

Writing is less about writing. Yes, you heard that — it is more about staying productive and creative.

So, how do you manage to stay in top shape that makes you a worthy writer, one whose stories need to be heard?

Let’s quickly check out 5 simple hacks that will propel you with more skills than your journalism degree and your masters in mass communication.

Sleep: Yes, you read it. Blink twice and read it — it will not change. Give those eyeballs a good rest and immerse yourself in a deep state of dream. The more you rest and dream, the greater the interaction between neurotransmitters in your brain, thereby promoting healthy hormone secretion. A well-rested mind will produce more sagas of Harry Potter than an overcooked brain always engrossed in work and thoughts.So next time you see yourself staring at 10:30 PM, dash to the bed and get the hell to sleep — if you really want to be a serious writer, you need around 7–9 hours of rest.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2656292/

Stomach: You were born to eat once a day. That’s how our ancestors lived basically and ate a few times a week, depending on hunting success. But we have outlived them, pampering ourselves to the hilt with the most outrageous food specimens, especially the ones that destroy the gut.

Whether you know it or not, there is a strong gut-brain connection — and gut health influences mood and cognition. So stop making your stomach a den for a hibernating bear. Try keeping yourself light for a day; maybe fruits or simple food and then try to write; you may well produce a masterpiece.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6469458/

Social Media: Yes, you would have guessed it right. But no matter how many times you heard it before — hear it once again. Excess indulgence in social media, especially at night, disrupts sleep cycles and affects cognitive clarity. Blue light exposure suppresses melatonin production and impacts sleep quality. Poor sleep directly affects creativity, memory, and emotional regulation. So take this as seriously as you can in your life. For Lord’s sake!

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5449130/

Sex: Well, you have something going in your favor here. Turns out that indulging with your partner swings the stars in your favor. Not only does it boost mood and motivation — it stimulates the production of oxytocin, which suppresses anxiety, sharpens emotional perception, and makes the mind more fluid — exactly the state from which powerful writing is born. Sounds good, right? Research shows that sexual intimacy increases oxytocin levels and reduces stress. So don’t deprive yourself — just do it if you feel like

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3183515/

Sip: Stay hydrated. Even if you decide to fast, which is great if done properly, keep sipping water. Those fluids are needed to keep your brain cells hydrated. Even mild dehydration negatively affects attention, memory, and mood. As per Ayurveda, memory is akin to floating in water, suggesting that fluid balance supports smoother cognitive functioning.

Your recall gets sharper, and you remember things from the subconscious at the right time — giving your storytelling higher power. But no aerated drinks, else it will backfire. Just plain water — a little warm, even better.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6603652/

Pro-tip:

OK, since you made it all the way through here. Get up everyday at 5:30 AM and drink 1 lt of warn water. Try for a month, and your cognitive abilities will move to places you never imagined.

Writing is not born on the page. It is born in the way you sleep, eat, love, disconnect, and hydrate.

The 5S aren’t hacks. They are disciplines. And discipline is the real muse.

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