Can Stress Compromise An Ability to Write?

[Rod Stewart]

Like the title says, can stress compromise - I mean, personal; finanical, etc. - compromise a writer's ability to write? If so, how can this be combated?

[aptpupil]

Rod

Another good question. You seem very analytical regarding the writing process.

Beware the old phenomenon of "paralysis through analysis" however.

Regarding stress, I would have to suggest that it would entirely depend on your ability to "switch off" your stress when it was time to write.

My life certainly contains stresses, but they only make me keenly anticipate my writing time, because it gives me an opportunity to escape into an alternative reality, which, in itself, must by definition, be "de-stressing".

It's a well known fact that the human mind actually NEEDS a certain amount of inherent stress in order to function to its full potential. The only real secret is to use it to your advantage. I think that it can actually trigger a creative edge that wouldn't otherwise exist.

Don't look for reasons NOT to write, my friend. Just push on with it.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Oh yes, it has a tremendous effect IMO, but like all experiences it can be turned and used creatively in a positive way, vis Sai King (see On Writing), Sir Walter Scott, Bob Dylan, Robert Burns etc

'Two men looked out from prison bars, one saw mud and one saw stars'.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Long days and pleasant nights

[BlackThorn]

I would say, yes and no.

I know I have no drive, no passion, and no rage or force to my writing, unless I'm fed up about how disgusted I am with something.

If I haven't even discovered what struggling is, what am I gonna write about, fuzzy happy bunnies? There would be no blades edge to anything I write.

However, sometimes when I'm stressed to the hilt, I haven't had enough sleep, maybe I'm extra strung out that week because of huge stressful changes in my life... then I can barely function at all, and you might be lucky to get five out of eight sentences out of me that are even worth listening to.

[Todash]

If stress is keeping you from writing (or indeed doing anything), then there are three choices.

1. Let things remain as they are.
2. Remove the sources of stress.
3. Find ways to cope.

I recommend the third option. As for how, exactly, that depends on you. I think aptpupil is on the right track; if you can, use stress as a launch pad and/or use your writing as an escape from stress. There are all kinds of tricks for dealing with stress throughout your day, too. Eat well. Sleep well. Exercise. Listen to music. Whatever works for you. Just don't de-stress to the point of zombitude; aptpupil was right about needing a bit of it, too.