Prevent Writers Block and Common Health Problems

If you're a freelance writer, you already know that you don't choose freelance writing as a career... you are born to be a writer. Seriously, it's not like we do it for the money!

Unfortunately, there is an occasional catch to our line of work. The pros are substantially unmatched, but the cons can be such a drag! From time to time, you might have to weigh out your options and take on a low paying assignment just to put food on the table. Or you might need to work on a topic that bores you to death... just to add more color to your portfolio.

However, the two biggest problems that a professional writer face are actually writers block, and health problems (specifically back problems and being overweight.) It's even worse if you're a writer who smokes.

These five tips are simple ways to fight both Writers Block and Health Problems that all writers will suffer.

Make a Schedule, and Stick to It!!!

One of the best things about being a freelance writer is that you make your own hours. I know it's one of my favorite parts. However, most writers fail to take advantage of this freedom and will become a workaholic.

You can work 9 to 5, and then finish for the day.

Or, you can work 9 to 11, take a break, work 1 to 3, take another break, and work 5 to 9.

Do not work any longer than 8 hours a day... no matter how tight your deadline is. The average human should work for 8 hours, sleep for 8 hours, and play for 8 hours. Following this schedule will help you feel and perform your best... guaranteed.

Freelance writing is a creative job that requires sharp mental focus, and you can't do your best if you're feeling drained. So 8 hours is the limit, and you can work those 8 hours however you choose.

When making your schedule, keep the next tip in mind.

Take Frequent Breaks

Especially when writers block kicks in, you need to stop working. You're trying too hard! However, don't save the break for writers block.

As a writer with scoliosis, my back problems might be slightly worse than the average writer. That doesn't matter, because anybody who works from a computer chair should be stretching and exercising on a regular basis.

Whether or not you currently have health related problems due to lack of exercise... you can prevent these problems from happening just by doing what you're supposed to.

I suggest setting a timer to go off every hour and a half or so. When it rings, spend 10 or 15 minutes doing mild to medium exercises and stretches.

When you come back to work, you will be much more productive... promise!

Switch to Decaf, or at least Half-Calf, Coffee

This tip also applies to tea drinkers, but I don't think the morning cup of coffee is a false stereotype about the freelance writing life. Unfortunately, caffeine is not good for you... especially if you substitute a nutritious breakfast with a cup of coffee.

Routines are routines, and it's your decision to make any drastic changes in diet. However, switching to decaf or half-calf coffee-and only drinking one cup a day-will help you perform your best as a writer and you will feel much healthier throughout the day.

Drink Lots of Water

If you follow this tip, you will lose at least 5 to 10 pounds within a week. "Lots of water" isn't specific enough.

An old rule claimed a "one size fits all" estimate that 64 ounces (eight 8 ounce glasses) of water is what you should be drinking daily. However, experts now suggest that the amount of water you should drink is based on your weight... "between ½ ounce and ounce of water a day for every pound you weigh."

In other words, a 150-pound person should be drinking 75 to 150 ounces of water every single day. That may sound like a lot, especially if you currently aren't drinking even 64 ounces. of water.

I don't need to tell you that soda and other sugary drinks aren't going to do anything good for your health, or success as a writer. However, if drinking the right amount of water can boost metabolism (something that immobile writers really need) and lose weight, as well as improve overall health... well that's a bandwagon worth jumping on for a week to check out, isn't it?

Quit Smoking

Yeah, I roll my eyes at this one too... even being the one writing it. No, I haven't quit smoking yet myself, and I don't expect you to overnight either. Take your time and make plans to quit... but don't wait too long. Smoking is something that many writers do, it's part of your routine.

In fact, I seem to do fine myself when I am not working... but I become a chimney when in front of the computer. If you are a smoker, and a writer, chances are you have the same problem.

However, once you find the right perspective on smoking... you'll find it easier to toss that nasty habit. Since when has lighting a cigarette really helped you focus on work?

Another way to look at this is that if you are a freelance writer, you are doing what you are most passionate about-and making a living doing it. There's no reason to hide behind a "crutch" because you are very lucky.

Or, finally, you can just state the obvious. Aside from the fact that smoking is the worst thing you can do for your health-you're a freelance writer. You can't afford to smoke!