Writer's Woes: Battling Pain and Strain

byDianeK59

4.3K followers

1 month ago

Writer's Woes: Battling Pain and Strain - How to Avoid Looking Like Quasimodo at Your Desk

Writing might be a calling, but that calling shouldn't involve calling an ambulance. As a writer, I've learned that 62% of writers deal with work-related stress, and let me tell you, my keyboard and I have had some intense battles over the years.

The secret to maintaining good physical health as a writer is combining proper ergonomics, regular movement breaks, and eye care techniques with a dash of common sense and a sprinkle of self-discipline. Those long hours of sitting might help us craft masterpieces, but they might also crafting a recipe for disaster for our bodies.

I've discovered that many writers face issues like back pain, weight gain, and eye strain. Think of it as the writer's version of battle scars - except these are totally avoidable with the right strategies. I encourage everyone to explore how to keep our bodies as sharp as our wit while we chase our business dreams.

Key Takeaways

* Regular movement breaks and proper posture can prevent most writing-related physical ailments

* A well-designed workspace with ergonomic equipment is worth every penny for long-term health

* Taking care of both physical and mental health leads to better writing productivity

The Troublesome Writers Trio: Eye Strain, Back Pain, and Hip Pain

As a writer, I've discovered that my body has formed an unholy alliance against me. My eyes blur, my back screams, and my hips protest every time I sit down to write the next article for one of my sites. In fact, I recently had to visit my ophthalmologist. It seems I've forgotten the "look away from the screen occasionally" rule.

Eye See You: Tips for Happy, Healthy Vision

I used to think squinting at my screen like a suspicious detective was part of the creative process. Eye strain and vision problems can make writing feel like an extreme sport. And for those of us with aging eyes, well, I'm sure you understand!

Here's my tried-and-true eye care routine:

* Look away from the screen every 20 minutes. This is my minimum. I actually aim for more like 5-10 minutes.

* Adjust screen brightness to match room lighting. I also use a larger cursor. And my son recently introduced me to the color inverting cursor which shows white on a black screen and black on a white screen.

* Position monitor at arm's length. Also try adjusting the vertical slant to your best vision point.

* Use artificial tears when needed. Seriously? Yep! I use these throughout the day. My ophthalmologist has me using 2 different types. One is morning and night. The other at least 3 times during my reading and writing time. And yes, it does make a huge difference.

I've also learned to blink more often - turns out staring at my characters won't make them write themselves!

An Ode to Our Achy Writers' Backs

Does your back seem like quite the drama queen? Writing for hours can feel like an Olympic sport with your spine as the reluctant athlete.

The plot twist? The pain might not even be coming from where you think. Those sneaky gluteus muscles are often the real villains. I recently added two different seat cushions to my already comfortable office chair. I change them out whenever I start to feel a bit of ache.

My survival toolkit includes:

* A chair worthy of a writing throne. Seriously, spend time chair shopping. It took me over an hour testing chairs at the office supply store to find just the right one. My dear husband was patient as I tried each one until I found the perfect seat. He didn't even complain when it was a bit more expensive than I had planned to spend.

* Standing desk adventures. I have a portable adjustable desk. Honestly, it isn't my favorite work area but it does help for those times I just need to "not sit".

* Stretch breaks every hour. Here's where my dogs help out. Bolt and Lyra are usually the leads, voicing the need for the entire pack to go out for a run.

* Core-strengthening exercises. I even started a new website to work on this. I justify that if I'm exercising anyway, I might as well work it into my writing routine. 😂 Yes, physical fitness helps writers, too!

Hip Hip Hooray? Not for Hip Pain

My hips have joined the rebellion of age against my writing career. I've discovered that proper footwear and anti-fatigue mats can be game-changers. My chair and cushions help, too. But then, so does my time exercising the dogs. Sitting in one position is NOT ideal for our bodies or our minds.

I know that some choose to set a timer for every 30 minutes - it's like a dance break, except less graceful and more necessary. If you don't have Bolt and Lyra reminding you to move, try a timer.

Quick hip-saving tips:

* Walk around during phone calls- I used to laugh when my son walked up and down our long driveway as he chatted with friends. Then I realized that I was also walking with my phone in hand.

* Try seated hip stretches- Just one of the many exercises I use to keep from those physical challenges of aging.

* Use a cushion for extra support- Seat cushions, back cushions, and a good chair make a huge difference to hip and back health. I find they even help my legs.

* Switch between sitting and standing - Even if you are still working, standing up for a few minutes as you proof your last article can really help. I use this time to move my feet a bit, stretch my legs, and even walk in place.

Exercising the Demons: Fitness to Keep the Pain at Bay

As a writer, I've found that moving my body is the best way to keep those writing aches and pains at bay. Trust me, your fingers aren't the only parts that need a workout!

What tips do you use to avoid those writer pains and strains?

Please share in the comments below. I enjoy sharing tips and hints!