Summer Blues

 Weather too good to do any work?

I deeply dislike summer. I don't know whether it's the hay fever, the never-ending light, the insects or what else that annoys me the most, but the upshot is always the same: when summer in England looks like a regular summer in other parts of the world, I am deflated, flat, off colour and operate at a glacial pace. It's been sunny and dry and bright for a good two weeks (a bit unheard of, frankly) and I am in desperate need of a weather-related shift. Last week I worked at full speed at the uni but since Monday I feel like I am walking in freshly-laid tar. 

I guess that this morning these few words may be more for me than for you dear reader, but if you also struggle with the mere idea of working when outside it all looks so frigging holiday-like, you may find some words of comfort for your struggles. Because I do have work to do, regardless of how poorly the good weather makes me feel, I thought that stringing together a little list would help. If you too are feeling the summer blues, try these:

• Don't start from the most difficult task first! When you feel the blues, gentle is best. This is the reason why I am writing this piece now, instead of updating the proposal I am currently working on. 
• Write 200 words about feeling blah. Yes, you heard, 200 little words about feeling unable to get down to some serious work. Do it now.
• Make a list of items to tackle in your work. If you're doing fiction, do a bit of light plotting. If you are doing non-fiction list what needs doing next in order of priority (boy do I need this one...).
• Are you editing or proofing? Is there something that looks particularly awful? Leave it for now, start from one half-decent page and just do that one.
• Have a list of books to read, bibliography or filmography to update? List, list, list; fill your notebook with tasks and the order they need to take place in.
• Are lists not good enough? Pick up the pen and write 300 words of the project you really ought to do but so badly can't be asked doing. Do it now, no matter how terrible those words will be. Then put the TV on and watch the World Cup and Wimbledon. That's what I'll do anyway.

Comments

[amanda {mocking bird}]

Thanks for the writing inspiration. :)