August 17, 2015 
Jane 
So last week, I did something I don’t believe I have ever done before. I spent a week at my country house by myself to recharge.
The concept of “recharging” has always been anathema to me. The dictionary defines it as “regaining your energy and strength,” something I always assumed could be accomplished in a long weekend. Last week, though, I proved (to myself) that my preconceptions were wrong.
While I was away I got lots of sleep, played some golf, had lunch and dinner with friends, went to concerts and simply enjoyed the beauty of the Berkshire Mountains. And it worked. I came back last Monday re-energized and ready to go.
I think it is so important for us creative types to take some time every so often to do just this—leave our professional world and enjoy other things we like to do. Only then can we gain the perspective and energy to return to our work lives and move forward.
Check out this piece I found about ways to recharge. How do you all do it?
I have to admit, I live a pretty relaxed life in an idyllic setting (small island in BC Canada), but even so, I do need to recharge. I basically “show up for work” in my cabin on a regular schedule so it’s necessary. The way I recharge is to take weekends off. I think as a writer it’s really easy to work every day. Especially before you’re published because you have a sort of desperation feeling all the time (at least I did). And by taking weekends off I mean I don’t answer work email, I usually stay off social media, I read and cook a lot, listen to baseball, and probably most important, I spend my time in the house and stay out of my cabin. I’ve found two days off a week can keep me from reaching crisis mode, even during deadlines I take weekends off. I think it’d be pretty hard for an agent though because even when you’re not in the office, you’ve got so much reading to do.
When you live in big cities like Paris or New York, it’s crucial to get away every so often and be one with nature. That’s what I do to recharge.