You’re a writer who’s always on the go. How can you find a work-life balance?

1 Set your priorities

Before you pack your laptop and hit the road, ask yourself what are your main reasons for writing and traveling. Is it to explore new places, meet new people, or learn new skills? Is it to earn a living, build a portfolio, or pursue a passion? Knowing your priorities can help you align your work and life choices with your values and aspirations. It can also help you say no to distractions and opportunities that don't serve your purpose.

2 Plan your schedule

Being flexible and spontaneous can be fun, but it can also lead to stress and chaos. To avoid missing deadlines, losing clients, or compromising quality, plan your schedule ahead of time. Use a calendar, a planner, or an app to track your tasks, projects, and goals. Set realistic and specific deadlines and milestones for yourself and communicate them clearly to your clients and collaborators. Also, factor in time zones, travel time, and unexpected events that might affect your work.

3 Create your workspace

One of the perks of being a writer on the go is that you can work from anywhere. But not all places are conducive to writing. To create your optimal workspace, look for a location that has reliable internet, comfortable seating, and minimal distractions. You might prefer a quiet hotel room, a cozy coffee shop, or a lively coworking space. Whatever you choose, make sure it suits your needs and preferences. Also, invest in some tools and accessories that can enhance your productivity, such as headphones, chargers, or ergonomic devices.

5 Set your boundaries

As a writer on the go, you might feel pressured to work all the time, especially if you have multiple clients, projects, or deadlines. But working too much can harm your health, creativity, and happiness. To prevent this, you need to set some boundaries for yourself and others. Decide how many hours you want to work per day or week, and stick to them. Turn off your notifications, emails, and calls when you're not working. And communicate your availability and expectations to your clients, collaborators, and friends.

6 Review your progress

Finding a work-life balance is not a one-time thing. It's an ongoing process that requires regular evaluation and adjustment. To make sure you're on the right track, review your progress periodically. Ask yourself if you're happy with your work and life, if you're achieving your goals, and if you're facing any challenges or opportunities. Based on your feedback, you can tweak your priorities, schedule, workspace, energy, and boundaries to suit your changing needs and circumstances.