Take Care of Yourself

I recently found out that writers, in general, are some of the most unhealthy people in our society. That was surprising to me! What makes writers any worse off than other people? The answer is easy - it's the senditary lives they live. Let's face it, we sit in front of our computers or a notebook, slumped over, writing away. We get little exercise. Our butts are spreading, our eyes are dry and red, and our eating habits consist of a donut and cup of coffee, rather than a meal. I know that's what I do and I'd be willing to bet you do too. So what can we do about it? We have to write our books and stories. Are we just destined to bad health because of our choice of careers? Some of you are saying - "This isn't really my career - it's just a hobby!" Okay, but how much time are you in front of your computer during the day (or night)? How much exercise do you get? Following are some tips to help you pursue your dreams while still being healthy:

1. Once every 15 minutes, look away from your computer screen. Find a point across the room and look at it for several seconds. This gives your eyes the opportunity to refocus. Blink several times. Most people don't blink while staring at the screen. Blinking lubricates the eyes and will help with eye strain and dry eye. Use eye drops if you need them. Dry eyes can lead to infections, cateracts, poor vision, even loss of vision. Don't risk it. If you use eye drops often - use drops without preservatives. These drops come in small individual vials and can be used as often as you like. If you use eye drops with preservatives (anything in a bottle, like Visine) read the directions and only use them as directed. Most say something like not more than two to three times per day. That's right - Two to three times per day! Using them more often can cause a build up of the preservative in your eye and can make your eyes drier! 

2. Get out of your chair at least once an hour. I can hear you now - "how am I going to finish my story if I'm getting up all the time?" Trust me you will, plus you will be healthier doing it. Get up, stretch, straightening your whole body. Do some twists, roll your shoulders, take some deep breaths, then walk. If you take 250 steps every hour you will average 10,000 steps per day! That is the guideline for normal living. Anything more than that is even better. While you are up, drink a glass of water and get rehydrated. I promise, when you come back to the computer you will feel refreshed and more productive.

3. Eat healthy. We all need to do this even if we don't write. Most of us are beginning to understand the ramifications of not taking care of ourselves. I know the last thing on your minds is cooking.After all, that novel isn't going to write itself! No problem. Take advantage of modern technology. Use your crock pot, make sheet pan meals, microwave a meal. Stay away from sugar! Sugar is toxic to your body! It is poison! Instead, make healthy, low salt soups. Im not talking about from a can although that is an option if necessary, make a pot of soup from scratch. It's easy to do and you control what goes in it. Make a large pot. Freeze individual servings for quick meals later. Same with stews, roast, beans, etc. All freeze well and can be divided into individual servings. 
On the same note, if you have to snack make it a healthy snack - a piece of fruit, baby carrots and celery with home-made hummus, jicama sticks, apples with peanut butter. Put together individual servings and keep them in your crisper drawers, ready and easy to get to.

4. When you hit a block and can't figure out what comes next in your story - walk away! Not for ever but for a little while. Chances are your mind will figure out the answer if you stop and do something else. In my case, I usually end up doing the dishes or washing a load of clothes, but taking a short walk outdoors, playing with the dogs, working in the garden, all could provide the break you need.

5. Get enough sleep. Most people of a certain age need 8-10 hours of sleep. Many of us don't get that much. We have trouble shutting of our brains. Determine a decent bedtime. For some of us that may be 9:00 for others midnight. Whatever you decide, start preparing 30 minutes before. Take a long, leisurely bath. Drink a cup of herbal tea. Read a book. If you have a nightly ritual, your body will get in the habit of preparing for sleep. Then, turn off the light and go to sleep. If you can't fall asleep - try reading, listening to music, pay attention to your breathing. If this doesn't work and you find yourself tossing and turning - get up. You are going to frustrate yourself otherwise and exasperate the problem. Read more of your book, do a crossword puzzle, make a list of what you will do tomorrow. Eventually you will fall asleep. Try again to meet your bedtime tomorrow.

Whatever you do, incorporate some exercise into your day - every day. Do what you are capable of doing. That maybe walking a mile, riding a bike for 5 miles, swimming, or it maybe doing chair aeorbics, yoga, taking a zumba class. As the Nike slogan says - Just Do It!