The Physical Writer

The Physical Writer

The most important qualities to be a fiction writer are probably imaginative ability, intelligence, and focus. But in order to maintain these qualities in a high and constant level, you must never neglect to keep up your physical strength.

Haruki Murakami
Writer
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
Your most fundamental landscape…the body

Staying Loose, Staying Strong

You might have heard the warning that “sitting is the new smoking.” But writing often involves long periods of sitting. Your neck juts forward, your arms get tense, and the repetitive motions of using the keyboard and mouse tighten your wrists and hands.

Well there’s good news. It’s not so much sitting that’s the health issue; it’s being sedentary for long periods.

Many writers have an exercise routine to combat this occupational hazard. Exercise videos, walking, running, all good. If you are on a roll with a project and have access to a voice memo recorder or a smartphone, you can even keep writing while you walk or run.

Getting up and walking around for a few minutes every hour can let your blood flow, give you a new focal range, and help the ideas gel.

 

Recommended Movement Routines

All exercises are done at your own risk! Description / time required is above the embedded video.

Wim Hof, 11 minutes. Recommend you do it lying down. No fluff.
Yoqi, 17 beautiful minutes that will change your life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tybOi4hjZFQhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmmNWj9YtAw
Yoga With Adriene, Just for Writers! 30-minute full body stretch
MCTheQuill, 2 minutes for your hands, eyes, and back
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQWwWaWXPS0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE4WOkSF-q0
Mark Wildman, 3 mins. Reduces headaches and neck pain
Sarah Beth Yoga, 10 minutes, no fluff
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4dmZ5_n6uUhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN0VAViZ9nA
Sarah Beth Yoga, 20 minutes, no fluff
Sarah Beth Yoga, 20 minutes, nice and slow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4aj6Lkr9P8https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0arLyM00F_w
Bodyfit By Amy, 10 minutes, no equipment needed
Bodyfit by Amy, 10 mins, 10-15 pound weight or kettlebell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA_swT9X82o&list=PLMHMyl3oeyh1sdHLYHi_ChyQ5DNfHTD4d&index=27https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiC0zylTB0w