Skip to content
Mental-health — Writing tips — Health-and-wellness — Creative writing — Science — Fitness-and-exercise — Workplace-wellness

Essential Wellness Guidelines for Authors: Don't Overlook These 8 Crucial Self-Care Practices

Despite no inherent health risks in writing, the excessive mental strain and neglect of physical wellbeing can potentially arise from the job's nature, primarily centered in the mind while disregarding the body.

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Regrettably, the profession of writing can't be inherently branded harmful. Yet, the prevalence of...
Regrettably, the profession of writing can't be inherently branded harmful. Yet, the prevalence of work predominantly concealed within our minds as opposed to our physical beings might lead to neglect of bodily needs and health if not balanced appropriately.

Essential Wellness Guidelines for Authors: Don't Overlook These 8 Crucial Self-Care Practices

Being a writer doesn't inherently harm your health, but the hours spent inside your head while your body stays mostly inactive can take a toll. Here's how to stay healthy and productive, even when you're tunneling through your next masterpiece. No need to become a fitness guru or a meditation master - these self-care and health tips cater to writers, and they won't stress your bank account.

Just Do It... Or Move

Don't expect magic from reading writing tips; you actually need to apply them. Try these writing exercises and forget hiding your work in shame. Best of all, these to-dos don't cost a dime!

Remember, your mind isn't independent from your body. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to future problems despite your unwavering dedication to your craft. Daily exercise - even a quick walk - is far better than no exercise at all. You don't have to be a fitness influencer to enjoy a workout or a pilates session.

Physical exercise can also boost your immune system and keep sinus infections at bay. But exercise alone won't counterbalance an otherwise sedentary life.

Upright and Mobile

Get up from your writing station once an hour, walk around, dance, or stretch your legs. Standing when possible can help too. If you're unable to move around, focus on the body parts you can move, like your wrists, toes, and head.

An electric standing desk and a walking pad can be game-changers, helping you reach your daily step goal and word count goal at the same time. Alternatively, propping up your laptop on a pile of books and working standing up can also do the trick.

Hydrate Like a Boss

Staying hydrated is essential, but not with coffee. Fill that glass of water instead, and try not to consume it all at once. Your body can't absorb all the water if you down it too quickly, and cyber-coffee won't suffice. If you need encouragement, get a large, colorful water bottle.

Snack Smarter, Not Harder

Ideas can distract you from eating, leading to hunger pangs before you notice. Keep healthy snacks on hand to avoid relying on chocolate, crisps, and sugary treats. You'll thank yourself when you can savor these treats instead of scarfing them down when your focus wanes.

Ergonomics 101

Poor posture while working can lead to backaches, neck pain, and wrist issues. It might take a while for your body to notice the problem, but don't disregard these warning signals. Improve your workspace ergonomics with a proper monitor and keyboard position. Management training often emphasizes the importance of good posture, and the same applies to your writing area.

Strengthen your upper back muscles and stretch your chest muscles to maintain balance and avoid hunching over your desk. If the stress on your upper back muscles increases, you might feel a burning sensation. Instead of compensating with shoulder stretches, work on strengthening your upper back muscles.

Stretch, Reach, Roll

Even if you maintain perfect posture, don't neglect the importance of mobility exercises. Take a break from your writing to stretch your body, focusing on areas that feel stiff or tight. A Youtube channel called DocJenFit offers a series of quick, easy-to-follow mobility exercises. Choose a body part that doesn't feel quite right and watch a relevant video.

Quiet Your Thinking

Writers are often overwhelmed by ideas, but constantly thinking can hinder creativity. Allocate some time for quiet reflection each day. Focus on existing instead of constantly doing something. Let your thoughts come and go without dwelling on them. This mental decluttering can lead to increased creativity and productivity.

Don't feel pressured to meditate every day, but try to minimize the content stream when possible. Your brain needs time to rest and reset, so take short breaks when you can.

Take It Easy

Writing can seem like an endless task, but it's important to take breaks. Working with deadlines and criticism can be stressful, and there's no shame in admitting it. Stress can impact your physical and mental well-being, so get enough sleep, rest, and engage in activities you enjoy outside of writing.

Don't forget that your body and mind need rest to maintain their optimal performance. After all, you're in this for the long run.

Share Your Tips!

Have other self-care tips for writers? Share them with us in the comments! Read more about creativity and mental health at our blog, where you'll find more writing tips and inspiration. You can also find the best author tools at Writer Lifestyle on Etsy.

  1. Incorporate creative writing exercises into your routine without apology, and do not shy away from sharing your work.
  2. Recognize the importance of physical activity beyond your writing, and engage in daily exercise, even if it's just a quick walk, to boost your immune system and overall health.
  3. Cultivate wellness in your writing life by practicing good posture, staying hydrated, snacking mindfully, and taking breaks for mindfulness exercises to promote mental health and productivity.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest