Writers spend an extraordinary amount of time thinking.

We’re thinking about headlines, keywords, sentences, deadlines, clients, research, edits and the next project waiting in the queue. Even after closing the laptop, the mind doesn’t necessarily receive the message that the working day has ended.

That’s why weekends matter.

Saturday doesn’t need to become another productivity challenge. Sometimes the most productive thing a writer can do is stop writing.

Step away from the screen.

You could:

• Read something purely for entertainment
• Take a walk without checking emails
• Play a game
• Spend time with family or friends
• Enjoy a hobby unrelated to work

Creative thinking needs room to breathe.

Taking time away from writing doesn’t mean you’re losing momentum. Experiences outside your workspace often become the ideas, perspectives and observations that strengthen your writing when you return.

Professional content creation requires consistency, but consistency doesn’t mean working every available hour.

Your brain is one of your most important professional tools. Like everything else you depend on, it occasionally needs maintenance.

So close that document when you’re finished today.

Monday’s words can wait.

Give yourself a Saturday first.