Covid-19 Brain Function

A WEEK INTO LOCK DOWN…

…and I’m working out ways to control my roving mind – or is it brain function.  Whatever it is, it is flipping around all over the place and preventing me from keeping on task.   Are you having this problem? Or is it just me?  I need to switch off  the breaking news, in fact all the social media. I don’t need to know the latest cornovirus  figures. It only depresses me. The task I have given myself is to work on the sequel to ‘Mayhem in Melbourne’.   I have the first draft of the sequel but it needs WORK. I need to stop getting more tea and wandering outside to check the weather.

My problem is I have all day to write.  I have always wanted all day and now I have it I can’t cope. I’m used to a busy working day, drinks and dinner with friends and carving out time in amongst all this to write.  I was stimulated!

John Birmingham in his book ‘How to be a Writer’ suggests getting a timer and setting it for 20 or 30 mins and work until it goes off.  Then decided to do more work, or walk around the park,or  make a coffee or work for another 20 or 30.

A review of John Birmingham’s book says, ‘… This book will be particularly helpful for those who suffer from lack off focus, procrastination and time wasting…’.  That’s me!

I have worked out a few affirmations to help, too.

While I procrastinate I listen to the local magpies.  This is the year for magpies.  There has never been so many around my burb.  They communicate with a sort of  ‘Quardle oodle ardle wardle doodle’ It is such a happy sound. They talk a lot! They’re not worried about COVID-19.

That description of their conversation comes from a moving poem by called ‘Magpies’ by New Zealander, Denis Glover. You can find it here.

Australian Magpie – loving life in Melbourne.