When you read editing helpers you probably thought I was talking about books or website resources that editors would find useful. Another time, I'm sure.

Today, I want to talk about keeping your spirits and energy going. Editing can be a lonely game. You're sitting in your office (or kitchen table) staring at the words on a computer screen for hours. As crazy as it sounds, this can be exhausting! Here are some things I keep around to help keep up my spirits and energy.

1. Plants! I have a couple of succulent pots that make me smile and the plants themselves help with air quality. Joe the Whale and Camille the Narwhal definitely keep me smiling and my brain working as I try to figure out why their plants keep dying.
   
2. Diffusor I keep my diffusor on my desk and fill it with uplifting scents. On days when my brain is a bit foggy a little eucalyptus essential oil clears me right up.
3. Focus Music In my years working in a noisy, public, sorta-depressing office, I learned that music could keep me energized.  I have an ace play list to dance to while getting the job done. Now that I'm working at home with various sounds and other distractions I needed more low-key focus music. I tried the Focus station on Spotify, my go-to music app, but it was just not working. Enter brain.fm. This app plays various music to help with different needs. They have a Focus mode when you need to work, Relax mode helps during meditation or simply when you need to take a break, and Sleep can help get your brain in the mood to settle for either a nap or to sleep through the night.
4. Timer I use Toggle to help me track my hours for projects. One feature I love is the You've-been-working-for-30mins pop-up. It stops tracking and pops-up, you can choose to continue or start a new time that you then assign to another task. When I get this reminder, I save my work immediately and sometimes it's already time to refill my water or take a restroom break. At the very least, I will get up and stretch. 
5. A Dog! Or a cat if you're so inclined. You can see my Smitty up there getting a treat for being that best pup! Seriously, a pet can help give you a break during the day. Some time to take a deep breath and just relax. If you don't have a pet, perhaps send a text or funny meme to a friend—just something quick that can get you a laugh and a breather.  Don't forget to rescue!!