Writing about being a sick kid can put me in a strange place. My manuscript is based on my real life experiences as a kid with a chronic illness. Going back to that place can be bittersweet. I also happen to be having health problems at this moment, and so sometimes going back to that place where I was never sure of getting better can be difficult.
So, I have had to create rituals that help me create a writing space that is separate from my normal life. I put on music that I only will listen to while I am writing this book. It from a YouTube channel that I won't be likely to hear in my ordinary life. I also put on blue sunglasses. It is strange, but it makes a huge difference to my brain.
I also have a totem. I have a small metal figurine of Luke Skywalker that I place by me when I am writing. That says that I am writing this story. Since I make a living as a writer, I have other totems to help me out. When I am writing about academic subjects I have a William Skakespeare totem. When I am writing about pop culture I have a Gandalf. John Cusik says that he writes with an Iron Man figurine. When Iron Man is out, it is writing time.
I still need to find a way to write at the same time every day. I think that will help also. It is important to write, to make art, even when things are tough.