How do you handle editing stress and fatigue?

1 Set realistic goals

One of the main causes of editing stress and fatigue is setting unrealistic or vague goals for your editing process. For example, you might think that you have to finish editing a whole chapter or paper in one sitting, or that you have to fix every single error or flaw in your writing. This can lead to frustration, anxiety, and exhaustion. Instead, try to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your editing. For example, you might decide to edit one section or paragraph at a time, or to focus on one aspect of your writing, such as grammar, structure, or style. This way, you can track your progress, celebrate your achievements, and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

2 Take breaks and reward yourself

Another way to handle editing stress and fatigue is to take regular breaks and reward yourself for your hard work. Editing can be mentally and physically demanding, so it is important to give yourself some rest and relaxation. For example, you might take a 10-minute break every hour, or a longer break after completing a goal. You might also reward yourself with something you enjoy, such as a snack, a drink, a hobby, or a chat with a friend. This can help you recharge your energy, refresh your mind, and maintain your motivation.

3 Seek feedback and support

Editing can also be stressful and tiring if you feel isolated or unsure about your work. Therefore, it is helpful to seek feedback and support from others who can offer you constructive criticism, advice, and encouragement. For example, you might ask a peer, a mentor, a tutor, or a professional editor to review your work and give you suggestions on how to improve it. You might also join a writing group, a forum, or a community where you can share your editing challenges and successes with other academic writers. This can help you gain new perspectives, learn from others' experiences, and feel more confident and connected.

5 Review and revise

Finally, one of the best ways to handle editing stress and fatigue is to review and revise your work until you are satisfied with it. Editing is not a one-time activity, but a cyclical and iterative process that requires multiple rounds of checking, correcting, and improving your writing. Therefore, you should not expect to achieve perfection in one go, but rather to aim for continuous improvement. For example, you might review and revise your work at different levels, such as content, organization, language, and presentation. You might also review and revise your work at different stages, such as before submission, after feedback, or before publication. This way, you can ensure that your work meets the expectations and requirements of your audience and purpose.