Healthy Writing Tips to Get the Body and Mind Connection

Writers spend a lot of time at their computer and it affects their bodies in many ways. It can be difficult to maintain good posture when your body is hunched into one position for hours at a time and you become stiff, sore, and slow. It's also quite easy to snack and graze a little too often when you work from home. Here are a few ideas to put into practice throughout your workday that will keep your body supple and your appetite tamped down.

First consider using a fitness ball part-time in place of a regular chair. They're comfortable and help to remind you to use good posture because there is no back. Just make sure that there is the proper amount of space for your legs under the desk so that you can sit up straight and be conscious of your posture. It's also a great way to take a quick break and perform some exercises with your fitness ball. One exercise I practice often is sitting without my feet touching the floor. This engages my core muscles as they try to hold my balance without any help. Sometimes I just lie on the ball to stretch out my back or abdominal muscles. There are many things can do with the fitness ball while you work or for a relief break.

When you do need a break avoid heading to the kitchen because you'll go straight for the food. Believe me as I speak from experience! Instead, try taking a few mini-breaks during the day and doing some form of aerobic exercise. If you have a treadmill or other piece of cardio equipment hop on it for ten or fifteen minutes at a time. Or you can take a longer lunch break and go for a brisk walk outside. If the weather is bad and you don't have any cardio equipment, pop in an exercise DVD and use that to get moving. Or you could play some music and dance for 10-15 minutes. Just do something to get moving or stretching and your body will thank you. Then when you head to the refrigerator for nourishment you'll be more likely to choose something light so you don't sabotage your healthy routine.

Make sure you have a refreshing drink at hand as you work at your computer. Fill up an extra tall cup with your favorite healthy beverage. When you drink more you feel fuller and tend to eat less. If you're sick of water try sipping some herbal, green or Chai tea. I like to make my own healthy sodas by combining La Croix natural seltzer water with different flavors of Crystal Light.

A writer's body is just as important as their mind and creativity. If we are in pain or just feeling badly about our general state of health it's hard to concentrate on creation. Hopefully these tips will help you to feel healthier and to create and write at the top of your game.