Learning how to refresh your writing space is a powerful tool, especially if you’re a creative writer slash remote worker, like me.

Yes that coveted Remote Worker Life: PJs … my cat … unlimited access to the fridge and bathroom … not showering. It’s heaven on slippers, until I need to turn off my “remote worker brain” and enter my “creative writer brain.”

The problem? My writing space.

Even if I’m ready to write, my writing space doesn’t appear like an antique desk in a spy movie that flips to reveal a high-tech control panel and video surveillance of the president.

No. It’s just me and my 2012 MacBook. The same way it’s been me and my MacBook since 9am this morning. Boring, boring, boring, gag.

I’m left traumatized by “a day at the office” without the pleasure of actually leaving an office—with its trademark environmental triggers of murmury office noise, stale coffee, and burnt toast smell (why do offices always smell like burnt toast?). With it comes the feeling that I can’t ever “leave work be.” It blocks my creativity. I remain analytical instead of free.

Thus is the plight of the creative writer who works from home.

Sure, I could change my environment by dropping the mic and leaving. I could sit in a coffee house and pay for a $5 coffee/writing space to sustain my zero-paying writing career, but is that the only other option?

No, my dear sweet writer. It is not.

Here are three ways you can refresh your writing space — without leaving your house

First, evaluate your filthy stinky writing space.

If you have specific work-related tools or notes, put them away. It’s not “work” time. It’s “play” time. For me, this looks like putting away my Remarkable and tucking my ten-key in the drawer as faaaaaar away from me as possible.

Maybe there’s something specific in your writing space that you could physically clean. A cluttered dresser? Laundry on the floor? Splattered mirror? Take care of it. It will make the room feel open, both visually and mentally.

(P.S. I was just kidding when I called your writing space stinky.)

Second, take a break ya workaholic writer you.

Before doing anything with in your freshly cleaned writing space, take a break. Sit in the quiet or lie down and close your eyes. Don’t do anything for ten minutes. Set a timer.

This will clear your head, reset your dopamine levels, and have your creativity stretching its neck and rearing to go.

Finally, get the heck out of there (i.e. change rooms).

In her book, Write For Life, Julia Cameron speaks of writing zones. Consider assigning “writing zones” in your house.

Size doesn’t matter.

Our condo is 900 sq ft, and I have five writing zones. Nine if you let me count the different areas where I sit. In my living room alone, there are four writing zones—four individual writing spaces holding the power to alter my entire outlook on life, the universe, and everything and shift my brain into creation. This may sound silly, but try it.

Something as little as changing where you rest your sweet hiney can change your viewpoint, refresh your creativity, and prepare you for a change of pace.

Conclusion

Refreshing your writing space is a powerful tool that will help you go from Stressed Remote Worker to Free-Thinking Creative Writer.

And it doesn’t cost a thing.

Tidy your space, take a break, change rooms, and see what it does for your creativity.

Connect with me + Share your thoughts below!

Are you a remote worker? Have these tips helped you refresh your writing space?

Have any tips of your own? Please share! As a creative writer girly who works remote, I’d be eternally grateful.