Last week I wrote about the importance of a morning routine, and how it helps me with productivity. Here is an addendum to that post, with some tools and apps that help with my writing process, and life in general! This isn’t a sponsored post, and I don’t get any kickbacks for links, these are some accessories that I happen to really like. Some are a little extra, some are practical – all really help!
Photo Credit: Chris Spiegl via Unsplash
Candles – As I mentioned in my routine post, I like to light a candle to signal to my brain that it’s time to get to work. Posh Candle Co. has great scents with super cute sayings on the front. I love the citrus smell of this Create, Hustle, Repeat candle!
Nespresso machine – This was a gift from my son, and I love it. On the days we don’t have a full pot of coffee brewing, this provides a quick (and delicious) caffeine hit. And you can even make fancy drinks – can’t wait to have a homemade PSL this fall!
BlendJet – Yes. I succumbed to the social media hype on this one, but honest – it’s great for a quick morning smoothie, or an afternoon pick me up. It’s portable, you can drink right out of it, and it’s quick clean up, so you can get back to work without a lot of hassle.
Heated shrug – Writing may not look physical, but it is. After sitting in an office chair for hours, my neck is usually in some need of tlc and this warming wrap is perfect for unwinding after a long writing session or helping with the tension that comes along with deadlines. Just heat up in the microwave and enjoy! I like this one from Origins.
Brainwave Sharp Mind - I first learned about this app after reading a blog post from author, Jessica Brody and I’ve never looked back. I use this to focus, and even when I’m not particularly in the mood to write – it always helps!
Pomodoro technique – Another app, if you want to be official about it. Once I got the hang of The Pomodoro Technique, I unofficially use a twenty-minute timer on my phone. If you have trouble focusing, I double dog dare you to try this and see if it doesn’t help.
Headspace – I adore this app. It not only has meditations, but it also has courses, sleep stories, and daily “wake-ups” to start your day. It can be pricey, but you can usually find a promo somewhere. There are also other apps that are be less expensive, and even free meditations online. Challenge yourself to meditate for a week and see if it works for you!
Pacemaker.press – Have a vacation coming up? Want to take weekends off from writing? Or do you just want to know how long it’s going to take you to write that 100,000 word magnum opus you have swirling around your brain. This website helps you come up with a work plan, and lets you know how many words you have to write a day in order to hit your goal. And it’s totally free!