Summer School can be an intense time, what with group sessions and individual writing time. In particular, we are very aware that as this week is online, you may be balancing it with other personal and work commitments. A little planning and thought ahead is recommended, as well as some ongoing self-care during Summer School. It's not just about overall physical and mental wellbeing, it's about supporting the function of our busy creative brains too! 

• Please dress for comfort, or fun, or however you fancy! We're aware that our Pacific Coast American cohort in particular are arriving early in the morning. We will make no judgment about hair style or pyjama style! Here at CotP we shall probably try to inject some glamour for the end of Summer School reading on the Thursday, but this dress code is optional! 

• Make sure you are sitting in a comfortable chair with your screen at an appropriate height. If you're using your phone or tablet to join in the Zoom sessions, it is particularly important to pay attention to where you position it so you are not craning forwards or looking down all the time.

• Have whatever else you need to feel comfortable handy, such as extra seat pillows, aromatherapy oils, your cat to cuddle, etc. 

Sitting at a screen can cause us to fall into bad postures, as well as lead to eye strain. Remember to get up and move around, or at least do finger stretches, switch to looking out the window, roll your shoulders, etc. If you are hand writing, the same applies, but pay particular attention to moving out of slouched postures and giving your hands a good workout.

A good everyday practice if you are not consciously doing it already, is to look away from your screen regularly and focus on a view outside a window, or something on the walls away from where you are sitting, to vary the focal length of your gaze.

If you know your week is going to be really busy, you might like to plan at least some of your meals and snacks ahead. The most organised of us might be batch-cooking for the freezer. At CotP, we will be indulging in a nice "ready meal" or two over the week.

• Karen finds that a handful of pumpkin seeds makes a really good brain food snack! She has a jar of them in the kitchen and pours them into a ramekin.

• Alison likes to make frozen berry smoothies, which help with energy and keeping cool in any hot weather. She throws in a jug things like frozen blueberries or cherries, yoghurt (soy in Alison's case), milk (oat milk for Alison), cinnamon, maybe some fresh ginger and/or mint leaves, and cocoa or even peanut butter. Blend and go.

• Alan likes a protein boost with raw peanuts (salt-free), mixed in a bowl with raisins. 

There will be plenty of breaks so you can get yourself refreshments. But Summer School can be quite involving, and you are all aware as writers how we can go into "the zone". We're going to be keeping plenty of water at our desks, so that it's "right there". 

Don't forget this, and enjoy! Sometimes people think of a rest as "doing nothing" but a rest can help you pace and can be a tick in itself on your to-dos for the day. So when you rest it is then officially an achievement!

Try and find some time in the day to get outside and feel the ground under your feet and connect with the elements. If your location and/or commitments make this difficult, open a window and pop your head out for 5 minutes. Both your body and mind will benefit.

Aside from the other tips we've given which will help you to relax, remember that too much focus can be a bad thing when it comes to writing and learning because our brain goes into overload. Include some activities in your day that you enjoy and that don't need lots of brainpower, such as playing with your children or pets; watching a favourite TV programme; cooking a nice meal; chatting to a friend or loved one; going for a walk; meditating; having a bath; listening to music.

Hopefully this has touched on some useful reminders and even new ideas about supporting yourself healthily during Haiku Summer School. Do let us know if you have some extra tips of your own!