Writer Wellness Tips: Stay Fit While You Sit

As writers we keep our butts in chairs for hours on end. This can have damaging effects on our health.

One of the best ways to remain healthy without being exposed to long-term discomfort or even injury is by using preventative measures to avoid creating any damage to your body in the first place. These simple hacks may seem small, but they can make a lot of difference in the long run.

The way you sit can have a profound impact on your physical and mental well-being. Next time you sit down to work take note of your posture. You probably begin the day upright with hands on the keyboard ready to tackle the workload in front of you.

As the day wears on your shoulders begin to slump forward which creates tension in the muscles. Maybe you slide down in your chair causing an unnatural curve in your back. Then your head dips or you lean closer to see the computer screen to see better which puts more pressure on your upper back and neck. Your chest is con-caved so your breathing becomes shallow and increases fatigue.

By the time you get home you’re tired, cranky, and sore. The very next day you repeat the process and so on creating an experience that soon becomes intolerable.

Let’s end the cycle!

The most effective way you can combat the negative effects of sitting on the body include:

1. Setting up your workspace correctly

It starts by setting up your workspace in the most effective way possible. I’m sure you’ve heard some of this information before as ergonomics becomes more prevalent in daily conversation, but it bears repeating. Believe me when I tell you that implementing some of these small adjustments will make a difference in how you feel.

2. Maintaining a consistent exercise plan

The fitter you are, the less risk you will have for developing chronic disease or injury. You’ll also feel a measure of stress relief due to the endorphins that are released during an exercise session. It’s a risk-free high that’s good for you. Exercise isn’t just about the physical attributes either.

When you become a fitter version of yourself it raises your confidence and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you attain the goals, you’re after.

The discipline needed to stick to an exercise routine can translate to other areas of your life elevating you to a higher level of success.

3. Stretching at routine intervals

Stretching is probably the most overlooked element to maintaining writer wellness but it's also one of the most important. Stretching not only relieves aches and tension but stress as well. A daily stretch routine will keep your body properly aligned to avoid common injury in the low back, shoulders, and neck.

In the video below I show you a few ideas on how to keep your shoulders and wrists supple.