Writer Self-Care

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Sometimes it’ll seem like I have a streak of weeks where I really don’t have any free time at all. The days are somehow eaten up with writing, promo, errands, and other responsibilities. This works for a while, but then comes the inevitable burnout that follows.

I’ve learned to (most of the time) create more of a balance in my life. But it’s more than balance: it’s also keeping an eye on my health.  As I found out years ago when I ended up in physical therapy for months, a health setback can impact my writing time more than devoting time to preventing it.

Stretching. This saves me a lot of problems. I’m just doing my PT exercises for my back, but there are many different stretches that are helpful. There’s a great book, The Anatomy of Stretching by  Brad Walker, and I’ve found that the wrist, hand, and arm exercises are also helpful when I’ve been typing a lot.

Sitting. This is where the bulk of writer problems come from, I’m sure. Sitting is what writers who are writing do.  The sitting that I was doing before physical therapy involved my sitting on a sofa with little support with my feet on a coffee table. Not good, as the physical therapists explained.  Now I do a couple of things to prevent a recurring problem: sit in a good chair, with good support, and move around to different locations in my house. I do try to stand and write sometimes too, since I have a tall kitchen counter.

Moving/Exercise.  This is to counteract all the sitting. For years, I’d been going to the Y daily for exercise.  My son explained that, since I only really used the treadmill at the gym, I should really just get a small treadmill for home. I was surprised to see that I could get one from Amazon for right around $300.  What’s more, it’s very small, has wheels, and folds up when it needs to be folded up. It was a good purchase because it paid for itself in just a few months.  And, because it’s so handy, I’ve been able to use it more frequently than I was when I was having to drive to the gym and try to hunt down an available treadmill.

Hydration.  We all hear about the benefits of this one.  I think I must have been operating partially-dehydrated for ages, but I’m doing a lot better about always having a glass of water nearby. And I feel a lot better.

Sleep.  Unfortunately, I can’t do much about the poor quality of my sleep (I’ve had sleep issues since I was a child), but I can turn in early to try and counteract them as well as I can.

Filling the Well. I’ve written a good deal about this one, especially here.  That burnout happens quickly when I’m not enjoying the creative work of other people. You may fill the well in other ways…spending time in nature or with family or going fishing.  For me, it’s reading, watching well-curated films and television and fostering my creativity.

For more information on writer self-care, see Colleen M. Story’s blog, Writing and Wellness, which focuses on writer health in a variety of ways.

Do you get caught up in life and ever neglect self-care?  What kinds of things do you do to stay healthy as a writer?

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Elizabeth Spann Craig

View posts by Elizabeth Spann Craig
Elizabeth writes the Memphis Barbeque series (as Riley Adams) and the Southern Quilting mysteries for Penguin and writes the Myrtle Clover series for Midnight Ink and independently. She also has a blog, which was named by Writer’s Digest as one of the 101 Best Websites for Writers. There she posts on the writing craft, finding inspiration in everyday life, and fitting writing into a busy schedule.

18 Comments

  1. HilaryJuly 29, 2019

    Hi Elizabeth – so important for us all to remember we need a balance of life, which includes exercise – walking, stretching, small exercises as we’re up and about. I’m pretty good … but now I’m back in England – I must walk more and build in stretching exercises … I miss the games of squash I used to play and the warming up and down before and after the game. Fortunately I eat well: lots of salads and fruit … but going to talks doesn’t help with the biscuits afterwards – must stop! We do need to remember – thanks for these ideas …cheers Hilary

    1. Elizabeth Spann CraigJuly 29, 2019

      I was surprised to find what a huge difference stretching every day makes, but now I’m a believer! Haven’t had nearly as many back and shoulder issues as I’d had in the past. I can imagine the cookies being tempting after listening to a talk, ha!

  2. Margot KinbergJuly 29, 2019

    This is such an important topic, Elizabeth! I’ve found, too, that self care is really important. That’s especially true as I’ve gotten older, and don’t have the resilience that I once did. The right amount of sleep is vital, and I think people don’t pay attention to that often enough. People don’t always pay attention to hydration, either, but I’ve found it’s critical. So is moving around and getting exercise. None of these self care things has to be expensive or time consuming, but it all matters.

    1. Elizabeth Spann CraigJuly 29, 2019

      The water is still a work-in-progress for me (I get caught up doing other things), but I feel so much better when I’m hydrated!

  3. Brenda S FelberJuly 29, 2019

    I must admit I’ve taken my good health for granted for many years…but thank goodness I’m more actively engaged with it now…in my mid-60’s. I’m good with staying hydrated and if that gets off I definitely can feel it! Regular stretching is my WIP…so glad to hear you’re getting good results with your workout Elizabeth. Love walking, kayaking, biking and such. Sorry to hear about your lack of sleep, recently helping my daughter with her new baby and I can see the lack of sleep hitting that family during these first few months?…

    1. Elizabeth Spann CraigJuly 29, 2019

      The stretching has been probably the most useful thing…I’m a believer now! Wish I were as active as you are, Brenda. I bet you’re loving time with your new grandbaby! They must so appreciate the extra hands (and the naps they’re able to take with you around!)

  4. Jemi FraserJuly 29, 2019

    I bought a treadmill a few years back for the same reasons. It’s great having it right in the house. So many people told me I’d only use it for a year and it would be a waste of money but they were wrong. 5 years and still going. Now to get better at doing those stretches!

    1. Elizabeth Spann CraigJuly 29, 2019

      I’ve heard much the same thing about my treadmill, but I use it every day if I’m not traveling. I’m so glad not to have to try to find one at the gym anymore!

  5. L. Diane WolfeJuly 29, 2019

    We certainly got in our exercise this weekend at the con.

    I have an elliptical at home which replaced my broken treadmill a few years ago and I love it. I used it almost every day.

    1. Elizabeth Spann CraigJuly 29, 2019

      I bet you did! Can’t wait to hear how it went.

      I think ellipticals are supposed to be easier on joints, but I was always hopeless on them when I was at the gym (too clumsy?) A trainer came up to me once and said I was moving backwards on it and I couldn’t even tell (!)

  6. Natalie AguirreJuly 29, 2019

    Great advice, Elizabeth. I try to stand and work at my kitchen counter or with a tabletop computer stand to not sit so much. If you figure out how not to have sleep issues, please let me know.

    1. Elizabeth Spann CraigJuly 29, 2019

      I will let you know, for sure! Can’t imagine life without them at this point, but it sure would be nice.

  7. ColleenJuly 30, 2019

    Wow, I came here to read the post because it’s right up my alley—great suggestions, Elizabeth!—and here I find a shout-out to Writing and Wellness. Thank you! Much appreciated, and totally agree on moving more, using a treadmill at home (I couldn’t live without mine), getting a supportive chair, stretching (many writers like me swear by yoga), drinking more water, and getting your 7-8 hours.

    Writing has left me with pretty consistent back problems, so I have to steer clear of soft, cushy chairs. My favorites are firm (yet with a cushion), extra tall chairs—I have one now that came with my high dining room table that I use at my standing desk. Using it, I can work standing for a few minutes, then sit for a few, then stand, etc. Helps!

    Another thing—I recently bought an ebike and I have to say it was one of the smartest investments I’ve ever made. It’s super fun and a great way to get low-impact, back-friendly exercise while getting out and away from the computer screens.

    1. Elizabeth Spann CraigJuly 30, 2019

      Writing is tough on backs! I like that you only stand for a few minutes and then change it up. I think sometimes that I’ve tried standing and writing for a little too long. Good to make it for a shorter session.

      I think I might be too clumsy for yoga! I’m considering something slower, more like tai chi.

      Your ebike sounds fabulous! I might have to check into that (city biking would be pretty dangerous here, but maybe on the greenway) :)

  8. K.B. OwenJuly 30, 2019

    These are great tips, Elizabeth! I write from a decent office chair but I’m at the dining room table (love the window to the garden that’s right there), but I know my sitting posture isn’t always ideal…I start hunching over my laptop when I’m super-focused.

    It’s much easier for me to exercise this time of year – I love to walk outdoors, and find the sunshine really restorative. But it’s a challenge in the winter…the exercise bike my husband uses regularly just seems so…boring.

    In terms of sleep…have you heard of grounding? (Also referred to as earthing). Sounds hippy-ish, I know, but there’s legitimate science behind walking barefoot in the grass for a short period of time each day to connect with the Earth’s electrons, helping to re-establish circadian rhythms, etc. We lose contact with this by being indoors and wearing shoes when we’re out. The National Institute of Health and the Washington Post have good articles about this phenomenon: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3265077/

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/could-walking-barefoot-on-the-grass-improve-your-health-the-science-behind-grounding/2018/07/05/12de5d64-7be2-11e8-aeee-4d04c8ac6158_story.html

    Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some barefoot walking to do! ;)

    Best, K.

    1. Elizabeth Spann CraigJuly 30, 2019

      I have *not* heard of grounding! Thanks for the links…I will check that out, for sure!

      It’s kind of the opposite here in NC…this is *not* the best time of year to exercise (in the mid-90s today, ugh), but the treadmill works great to keep me consistent! It can also be a little boring, but I listen to music and I need to get into my podcasts again.

  9. Elizabeth SeckmanJuly 30, 2019

    People ask me what it takes to write a book, so I tell them about 5 pounds. These are great tips and a great reminder!

    1. Elizabeth Spann CraigJuly 31, 2019

      That’s exactly what it takes, ha! Thanks for coming by, Elizabeth!

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