Relationship

Self-Care for Writers: Key Issues, Key Steps

Starting a new writing project is exciting. You had the idea, you planned the chapters and it was time to write. When I’m working on a book, I write for hours, constantly think about revisions, and even revise in my sleep. However, if I don’t control myself, I can become obsessed with writing. I work more than I should, I fall behind on housework, I have a sore back, and tired, gritty eyes.

None of these things encourage writing. As I write I think about my disabled husband and my duties as a carer. Although I take good care of it, sometimes I don’t take good care of myself. To be productive, writers must take care of themselves physically and emotionally. Self-care can prevent debilitating colds, long-term illnesses, and exhaustion. Here are some suggestions for you.

adjust your chair. The Mayo Clinic, in its article, “Office Ergonomics: Your Practical Guide,” says that your knees should be level with your hips when you sit in a computer chair. My chair is comfortable, but it doesn’t support my lower back, so I use a small beanbag pillow. I bought the travel pillow at an airport store and it is very handy to have.

Use a footrest. Your feet may not reach the ground if you are a short person. The solution is to prop your feet up on a small stool or a stack of books. Usually my feet are flat on the ground. Still, having been working for a long time, I worry about the veins in my legs, stretch my legs, and prop them up on a stool under my computer desk.

Move. Short breaks are surprisingly effective. I get up every half hour, do some stretches and walk around the room. You can do this or walk in place. Desk exercises are featured in the article, “Deskercise! 33 Smart Ways to Exercise at Work,” on the Greatest website. Describes stationary jogging, squats, leaning back against a wall, chair exercises, and more. Pick a few exercises and do them regularly.

Eat healthy snacks. Calories from snacks add up quickly. In fact, they can be the equivalent of a full meal. Limit your sweet and salty snacks. You will find more ideas in “10 Healthy Office Snacks to Eat at Your Desk,” by Leyla Shamayeva, on the Calorie Count website. Recommends cereal cups, nuts, whole-grain crackers, peanut butter, dried fruit, and fruit cups sealed in water. Technically, water is not a snack, but it’s wise to have bottled water on hand.”Take a sip throughout the day and watch your productivity and mood improve,” the author writes.

Love for eight hours of sleep. Even if you are a “night owl”, you need to get enough rest. Try to go to bed at the same time every night. Lower the temperature in your bedroom to promote sleep. Avoid big projects and disturbing TV shows before bed because they can keep you awake. A body pillow can help you sleep more comfortably.

Nourish your spirit. I’m a health and wellness writer and when I get bogged down It is usually due to lack of information. Finding additional information can be difficult. Instead of doing the research right away, I take a break and renew my spirit with poetry (I love Robert Frost), read a magazine article, or look at photos on a royalty-free website. Fifteen minutes later, I am energized and ready to get back to work.

These tips will help you stay energized and ready to write.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1