Find More Work:

1.  Content Mills (Demand Studios, Bright Hubs)

2.  Magazines –most magazines work largely on freelance pitches, so if there’s a magazine you love, chances are you know what they’re looking for and can write effectively for them.

3.  Newspapers –OMG! YES, it’s true, magazines are folding, jobs aren’t secure, there’s less money, blah blah blah.  They still need writers.  Especially to flesh out online content which is where many are starting to focus resources.

4.  Classifieds  — Lots of writers magazines, like Writer’s Digest and The Writer often have pages full of classified ads which publish guidelines for all kinds of writing opportunities (that typically pay MUCH better than online work) that are currently seeking submission.  Hit your local B&N and cruise the magazine section.

Save More Money:

5.  Buy Refurbished — Do you need a new laptop?  Dell offers company-backed refurbished laptops, as do many other companies, that are just as good as new, only cheaper!

6.  Dedicate Space –  As a freelancer, you can deduct a portion of your rent for a tax rebate if you have a dedicated space with a closeable door.  Not only will it save you some money, it may help increase your productivity!

Shake up your routine:

7.  Adopt a pet — One of the best things I’ve done for myself as a freelancer was to have a pet; otherwise, the day can get really blurry in the sense that time and days of the week don’t really matter.  The dog gets me up in the morning, gets me out for a walk, and gives me something to smile about.

8.  Join a new gym — I’m a big fan of joining new gyms, mostly because I’ll admit that I’m a bit of a novelty-seeker.  I have a short attention span with exercise, so I like to challenge it as often as I can by joining a new gym, taking a new class, or starting a new activity.  Zumba, anyone?

9.  Try a different writing activity — I’ll admit, all I really like to do is write.  So when I need to shake things up, I try to attempt a different style of writing; articles, fiction, poetry, even stream of consciousness blurbs or letters to myself.  Sometimes if you’re blocked, it’s a good idea to just get all the thoughts out of your head and clear your mind.

And if you just feel restless and stressed:

10.  Shut off the computer and dedicate a day to anything but work — Even if you do nothing but sleep and sit in front of the TV, we all need a day off now and again.  Sometimes you just need to get away from it all, even if it crunches your deadlines.  It’s worth it!