As an HSP, you are more sensitive to your environment. Unexpected sounds make you jump, you walk around your home turning off the lights, you can’t forget that Facebook story about a horrendous tragedy in another state, and your coworker’s bad attitude will have you scowling in no time. Writing is difficult enough. How can you succeed with all of this stimuli constantly interrupting your ability to focus?
Our fellow writers from a few decades ago had it a little bit easier than us, in some ways. They didn’t have the Internet or cell phones, so if they went into a room to write, there was less chance of being disturbed. (Of course, they also didn’t have Microsoft Word. If they wanted to correct a mistake, or rewrite a draft, it all had to be done manually!) So how can we create that uninterrupted environment we need to bring our characters to life?
My first suggestion is to declutter your work area. I would show you a picture of my desk to be held up as a wonderful example, except that it’s horribly messy right now. So I’m preaching to myself as well. Clutter is distracting and can cause anxiety. An object may remind you of an unfinished task or unresolved issues. Remove unnecessary things from your desk and give yourself some space. Things will pile up there as you work, so try to spend 15 minutes a day sprucing up. Your psyche will thank you.
Now that you’ve removed the clutter, you can beautify your space. What do you think is pretty, or relaxing, or just looks good? This is a very individual decision. Scan Pinterest for suggestions. Once you’ve decided on the look that you want, don’t forget to check out thrift stores and garage sales to obtain the items that match what you have in mind. Most of us are on a budget. We don’t need to break the bank to decorate our office! Do what you can to make your writing space aesthetically pleasing to you and make it your own. It will help your creativity to flow.
Dim the lights to a comfortable level. Many HSP’s find bright lights annoying. I like to turn off the overhead light in my room and work only with my desk lamp. Just make sure you can see well enough to write!
Turn off the TV and cell phone. If you have your own room in which to work, let family members know that you are unavailable until whatever time you choose. If you have to write in a common area, put on your headphones and listen to the music that inspires you. (If you have family members like mine who, upon seeing you sit down to write, decide that that is the ideal time to start a conversation, pretend that you can’t hear them.) I really enjoy listening to Johnnie Lawson’s videos on youtube. His videos are mainly of nature sounds, with a few that also incorporate classical music. They are relaxing and allow you to concentrate on the task at hand, rather than be distracted by lyrics.
You may want to light a scented candle or warm some of your favorite essential oils in your diffuser. The right aroma can help you to decompress and be at your creative best.
Controlling clutter, aesthetics, lighting, sound, and scents can work to create just the right atmosphere and help you to complete your writing projects. Now you are ready to write!
A Writer's Life 