5 Simple Ways to Reduce Stress as a Freelance Writer

Publication Date

May 9, 2022

Summary

you can use these five practical tips to reduce your immediate feelings of stress and create a more sustainable freelance writing career.

1. Adjust Your Schedule

Look at your current schedule and identify where you can make changes.

If you’re working more than 30 billable hours per week, it’s worth reviewing exactly how your time is being spent. Write out:

All of your current clients
The hours you realistically spend on each one
Possible areas where you can adjust or delegate

From there, write out your ideal weekly schedule—and start making gradual changes toward it.

2. Find Peace in Your Day

Incorporating moments of calm into your routine can recharge you and reduce the physical symptoms of stress.

For me, that looks like:

Slow mornings (about 3 hours before work for a walk, reading, or breakfast)
Meditation before and after work
A 30–60 minute midday break for lunch and sometimes a walk

Try this: List 3 small things you can do each day to create peace. Even one hour can make a difference.

3. Release the Pressure

Tight deadlines can make stress spiral. Look at the lead time you currently have for assignments:

Do you have 5–7 days to write?
Can you negotiate for longer timelines?

More breathing room allows you to adjust your schedule on days when you need to recover.

See the Bonus Section below for a customizable email template you can use to request longer deadlines from clients.

4. Use a Pomodoro Timer

When motivation is low, working in 25-minute bursts can help you get moving without overwhelm.

How it works:

Work for 25 minutes
Take a 5-minute break
After 4 rounds, take a 30–60 minute break

Tools I recommend:

Toggl Track Chrome extension (built-in Pomodoro function)
Or simply set a timer on your phone

5. Schedule—and Protect—Your Days Off

Do you have predictable, non-negotiable days off?

I don’t work on Saturdays or Sundays, and I alternate half-days on Mondays or Wednesdays. Early in my career, I worked 7 days a week for 55+ hours—and still procrastinated a good chunk of that time.

When you set boundaries, you work more efficiently and protect your mental health.

BONUS: Email Template for Adjusting Your Lead Time

Not sure how to communicate new deadlines to your clients? Try this:

Subject: Lead Time Adjustment for [Project Name]

Hi [Client],

I’m writing to let you know that, going forward, I’ll need [new time frame] to complete all assignments.

I’ve noticed that with the [current time frame], I often have to rush. I want to offer you my best work, and I know that having [new time frame] will ensure I can do that for you.

If this doesn’t work for you, please let me know at your earliest convenience.

I’ve loved working with you so far and I’m excited to see how this new lead time benefits the project!

Thanks,

[Your Name]

Note: If deadlines are part of your contract, create an amendment or ask the client to send a revised copy.

FAQs About Stress as a Freelance Writer

Q: Is stress normal for freelance writers?

A: Absolutely. The mix of creative work, business management, and fluctuating income can cause stress at any stage of your career. The key is developing strategies to manage it.

Q: How many hours a week should a freelance writer work?

A: Most freelancers aim for 20–30 billable hours per week, leaving time for admin, marketing, and downtime.

Q: How can I take time off without losing clients?

A: Set clear expectations, communicate early, and include your availability in contracts or onboarding documents.

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