How To Write Without Destroying Your Body
Credit: Brian Moor
I love writing, but sometimes my body doesn’t. If you’re like me and spend most of your day in a cubicle hunched over a keyboard, coming home to hunch over a keyboard and write isn’t the most appealing thing.
It’s no secret that sitting for long periods of time is absolutely terrible for your body. It certainly doesn’t help that most of us slouch or contort our bodies in horrifying positions.
If you want to write comfortably for decades and find success, you need to protect your body. Here are a few things you can do:
Stand Up
Philip Roth famously stood while he worked. In fact, a number of famous authors stood while they wrote and things seemed to work out just fine for them. Standing might not be the most comfortable thing to do, but it’s a good change of pace.
When I don’t want to sit, I like to place my laptop on the washing machine or on the kitchen counter and write. A better solution would be to build a standing desk. You can make one for as low as $22 using items found at Ikea. I have a similar and less glamorous set up using a piece of wood and an old popcorn tin that I am very proud of.
Yoga
Yoga is what the hip people do, right? I’m not sure, but my back loves it. It’s good to stay flexible and limber when you’re sitting all day. Here’s a basic 7 minute beginner’s routine that I like to follow often. Check it out. Your hamstrings will thank you.
Take Breaks
Get up and walk around. There are rules like ‘after every twenty minutes of sitting, you should get up and walk around for two minutes.’ That might not work for you, but you should at least get up and stretch your legs often. Get out and get some air. Clear your head, think about your story and move your legs. Go for a walk or a run. Exercising is known to boost your creativity.
Get Sleep and Eat Right
Yeah, yeah, that’s what everyone says, but it doesn’t make it any less true. Your body and your mind need to recharge and you need good nutrition to fuel them both.
Take care of your body and your writing will certainly benefit.
What do you do to help your body?
I need to walk or sit down to be comfortable for long periods of time. I may try standing to work since it is encouraged so much and build my endurance. I’ve heard it is better for physical fitness and health. I had one or two boys who sat in the back to stand as they work when I taught school.
Let me know how it works out for you if you try standing to work!
i stand up at my kitchen counter to type / surf the web sometimes. i really enjoy it!
Good to hear! It’s a good habit to have.
Good reminder, HL – I’ve read where some bloggers have reminders set up so they do not sit more than an hour. The breaks are with a variety of activities and periods of time, but all vitally important. We think better when we are refreshed.
I incorporated a walk buddy into my days and that’s been HUGE. Once away from the computer, I look after a number of other activities that I would otherwise put off or rush through.
The people in my life deserve more of me than a streak!