Tips to Care for Your Health While Writing
Have you ever gotten so excited about your story that you write for hours at a time? It's a great feeling, isn't it? But while your mind is busy exploring fictional worlds, your hands are furiously at work. It's easy to forget how much we use our physical body to write. That's why some writers get overuse and repetitive strain injuries. I'm one of them.
I have been suffering from tendinitis and tendinosis the past three years. If I could go back in time and tell my younger writer-self anything, it would be exactly what I am going to tell you in this blog post — advice to help you take care of your body as you write.
Now, here is a disclaimer. I am not a medical professional, and this blog post is not medical advice. If you are experiencing any pain or numbness, please reach out to a doctor. This blog post is intended to help you start thinking about ways to protect your health, but it's simply based on my own experience. I’m a writer, not a doctor!
Let’s dive in.
Stretch. Every day before I write, I spend five minutes doing simple stretches like these and these. Think about it like this. You wouldn't make your body run a marathon without warming up first. The same is true for a long stretch of typing. At this Harvard Health article explains, "Do these stretches gently, until you feel the stretch, but without pain. Hold the positions for a count of 15 to 30 seconds to get the most benefit." (Another disclaimer from Harvard Health: "If you have a serious hand, wrist, or arm injury, consult your doctor before leaping into the routines below. All exercises should be done slowly and deliberately, to avoid pain and injury. If you feel numbness or pain during or after exercising, stop and consult a therapist.") Throughout the day, every time I take a break from writing, I stretch again. At the end of the writing day, what do I do? You guessed it. More stretching. It only adds a few minutes to your day, and your body will thank you. You can even do the routine while you watch your favorite show or listen to an audiobook.
Take plenty of breaks. During my writing sessions, I take a five-minute break every 20 minutes. Every hour, I take a 20-minute break. This has made the biggest difference in my pain level. If you are not currently experiencing pain like me, you may find that you don't have to take quite as many breaks. But do try to let your hands rest frequently. That doesn't mean you have to step away from your story! Taking a typing break just means your fingers won't be hard at work – but your mind can be. Listen to a song that inspires you. Take a walk around the room and imagine what your characters are going to say in the next conversation. Close your eyes and visualize all the sensory details in your scene. When you sit back down to write, your creativity will be buzzing.
Embrace dictation. If you are typing for several hours a day, dictation is going to be your best friend. Yes, there is a steep learning curve. But if you practice, the payoff is huge. Not only is it much better for your hands, it also helps you write faster. (Another bonus: I have found that my dialogue has improved when I dictate because it forces me to speak it aloud.) The dictation app that works for me is Dragon Naturally Speaking.
Use an ergonomic workstation. There is nothing cozier than typing from the comfort of your bed – but your body hates it. Do yourself a favor and set up an ergonomic workstation. This post can help you get started.
Be kind to your hands. After a long day of typing, use a hot pack on your forearms or hands. Just 10 minutes can be incredibly soothing. Then do some of those end-of-day stretches. I also like to give my hands and arms a mini massage using this “hot stone” tool.
Listen to your body. Are you experiencing any discomfort while you type? That's your body telling you to slow down and take a break. Again, make sure to talk to your doctor sooner rather than later if you have pain or numbness.
Taking care of your body will make you a more productive writer in the long run. Remember, our team is always here to partner with you in your writing and editing journey. Explore our services to find out more about how we can help.
Emily Young loves talking about ways to improve your writing life. Contact her today for a free, 15-minute consultation! .