What does your atmosphere say about you?
Today’s focus: Atmosphere
(Newsletter November 8, 2021)
In this edition:
About my writing atmosphere
The Quote
Ways to improve your atmosphere
The Medical Moment: live healthier
A little extra: Date your books with Booky Call
New short story narration available!
The Bible verse
My writing atmosphere
I recently attended a “Writing Summit” entitled “Find your readers.” During the summit, I was inspired to create a YouTube channel that documents my author journey and lets my readers get to know me on a more personal level. (No, I haven’t actually published my novels yet, but I’m looking for my readers now.)
Who doesn’t have a touch of the voyeur in them? Okay, that sounds creepy, but it’s what the presenter said during her YouTube presentation, and I have the perfect example. When I started having regular and frequent online meetings, I began to get curious about that square of space behind the person on my screen, that slice of a person’s existence, where they spend their time, what they surround themselves with.
Our surroundings say something about us, but they also affect how we behave, think, and react. I personally breathe better when things are organized and everything has a home (If you’ve heard of Marie Kondo, then you know exactly what I mean.) I’m definitely not an extremist, but I do like order. I function best in an organized space decorated with beautiful (at least what’s beautiful to me) pieces. My environment is VERY important to me. It always has been. Over the years, no matter how little I’ve had or how much, I’ve always liked my atmosphere at its best.
I made a video right after that segment of the conference, which takes an impromptu look at my desk space, where I do most of my writing. When I have time to create my YouTube channel (which definitely isn’t now), I’ll post that video. At the time I filmed it, my desk was the exact opposite of what I wanted it to be. I was inspired to clean up, organize, and create a “positivity” wall (more on that to come in another edition.) I write better when my atmosphere inspires peace and is free of dust and clutter. (Since my desk is a clutter magnet, I tend to have to “overcome” my environment when I write or I’d rarely write.)
And here’s my desk now…
That sad grocery sack blocking everything? A bag of Halloween wigs my lovely husband placed there. MAGNET!
“I believe your atmosphere and your surroundings create a mind state for you.”
Ways to improve your atmosphere to live better and be more productive:
Plants: Studies have shown that people who have plants in their home or office feel more comfortable, less anxious, have decreased stress levels and better moods. Science also suggests that having plants indoors might sharpen attention, boost productivity, improve overall outlooks on life, maybe even heal you faster, and, of course, improve indoor air quality.
I recently went on a quest for indoor plants, with the help of my indoor plant specialist (Thanks, Chanel!), and have scattered several plants around the house. I love having them around! They’re like little friends. I used this list from Better Homes and Gardens to get started.
Lighting: The type and intensity of lighting you expose yourself to in a day can also affect your mood and productivity. Bright lights tend to heighten emotion and increase aggression. Blue lights increase alertness and make us more energetic (which is why watching TV or a phone/tablet/computer before bed keeps us from sleeping). So blue light might boost us through the day but needs to be put away when winding down before bed. Sunlight during the day might also make us happier. Working in a room with windows supposedly increases well-being, and exposure to natural light might also help our bodies stick to their natural circadian rhythms, keeping us on track and decreasing depression. Interestingly natural light also effects appetite and how fast we eat. Consider the lighting in your workspace and see if it’s the best for your task.
Surround yourself with the things you love. What makes you happy? Have it around you. Are you like George Costanza who claims he would drape himself in velvet if it were socially acceptable? Then get you some velvet!
My pens are filled with glitter. And I have notes/drawings from my kids hanging next to my desk. Are they using proper grammar? Of course not, but my kid wrote it, so it makes me happy.
De-clutter? This is a common recommendation for increasing productivity, but I put a question mark here because some people like clutter. I have to admit that sometimes, a bunch of stuff makes me feel safe and cozy and a little reckless, which can be therapeutic. It goes back to what works best for you, and not everyone feels the same. Try it both ways and see what energizes you.
Medical Moment: Chew your food
In all my medical training, nutrition was essentially absent. I learned, and most providers learn, to treat medical problems rather than prevent them. I’ve had some medical issues in the last couple years that have prompted me to more closely look at the relationship between food and health.
One of the first things I read to improve my health was ridiculously simple: CHEW YOUR FOOD. It’s the first step in digestion and helps you to extract the most from what you put in your mouth.
I’m a fast eater, which I think started when I was practicing medicine. I’d plow through food as quickly as I could so I could get back to my waiting patients or back to the OR. Chewing my food, so simple, was something I had to actually learn!
Experts suggest chewing each bite of food around 30 times, fewer for softer foods. It’s a pain to count, but if you start counting, you’ll eventually train yourself to slow down. 30 isn’t a magical number, but it gives you an idea of how your food should feel in your mouth before swallowing.
My advice: When you can, take note of your food, appreciate it, and chew it.
Extra: Have you seen this new book app:
I’m always on the lookout for my next read, and I usually find my next book by checking similar titles or seeing what’s popular and/or highly rated.
I recently downloaded Booky Call, a new app that’s set up like a dating profile. You swipe left and right based on book descriptions and your preferences, essentially an app that lets you “date” books. It’s super cute and cracked me up when I tried it. It’s potentially geared toward a younger crowd. Not sure if I’ll keep using it, but it’s definitely something you should check out and see if it’s for you. Or at least enjoy a bit for novelty’s sake.
Here’s an example of a “message” from a book that looked interesting. It’s pretty cute.
Locked Down For Murder by Cheryl Rieger
A new short story narration is available at Onyx Publications! I had fun narrating this one.
Listen here.
Murder meets the pandemic. Trapped inside little boxes on screens, plans and actions aren’t that threatening. But some are more trapped than others. When the lockdown lifts, what will newly-reunited high-school acquaintances do to protect one of their own? Mwahahahaha.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4: 8
Upcoming writing news: I’ve entered my novel THE FALSE FLAT into a women’s fiction “pitch event.” I’m one of about 100 participants who have posted to this group. 18 agents looking for “Women’s Fiction” will peruse the 75-word descriptions and the first 500 words of hopeful novels. Mine is up there and waiting for agent eyes. It ends Nov. 19. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Send me pictures of your space! Or what your dream space would look like. I’d love to hear from you.
Own your space and surround yourself with what makes you happy. Have a great week! See you next Monday.
Much glitter,
Melissa
p.s. If you know anyone who might be interested in this newsletter, please pass it along! Sign up here. I’m excited to grow this group.
