Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Save Your Neck: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself as a Writer


 By Janie Reinart

Your eyes are blurry, your joints are stiff, and you have a pain in your neck from sitting at your computer for hours. Here are a few tips to save your neck and the rest of you!

1. Use your favorite eye drops to soothe tired eyes.



 2. Make your own heating pad.


3. Stand, walk and stretch.



Try reading and typing from your monitor while standing. I like to stand at my breakfast bar and work. My computer is
on a box so that my eyes are level with the screen.

Stand up if you are chatting on the phone. Go for a walking meeting (even if its by yourself.) What about a walking desk?



4. Take a dance break.



5. Set your alarm.

Andrea LaCroix, PhD, director of the Women's Health Center of Excellence at the University of California, San Diego says, "The message is to reduce sitting time by breaking it up. Although experts aren’t sure how often you need to get up, they suggest getting up about every 30 minutes if possible."

6. Hydrate.
 
View image | gettyimages.com


We work to write books so that kids will fall in love with reading. Don't forget to show yourself a little TLC. What are your favorite ways to take care of yourself?

13 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks Teresa. We have to have fun while we take care of ourselves!

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  2. Janie: It's nice to know that I am not the only one who takes a dance break from my writing. I, too, like to stand while typing on my computer.

    Writing for long periods of time without taking a break can be counterproductive.

    Thank you for your many tips to take care of myself are great reminders.

    Perhaps you are aware of a recent report of replacing a traditional school desks with standing desks. http://www.today.com/parents/why-schools-are-adding-standing-desks-classroom-t51856
    ~Suzy

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    1. Suzy what a great article. Love the fidget bar. Yeah for dance breaks!

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  3. Thanks for taking care of us, Janie. I can also highly recommend my Deskcycle. I can use it when I want, it's quiet, and I can cycle at a low tension for long periods of time without interrupting my work. I love it!

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    1. Jilanne, so proud of you for using your deskcycle. The more we move the more our brains work better!

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  4. Thanks for the encouragement, Janie! I get up and make yet another cup of tea, take a walk, go on an 'Artist's Date', or read a bit before going back to work. Some days, there is so much to do, that I don't know where to begin. ;-/

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    1. Jarm, I am with you as I look at the large stack of children's picture books I want to study. We can do it! What is your favorite tea? I like Numi Rooibos Chai herbal.

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  5. Thank you, Janie. Just the reminders I need. Time to dance!

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  6. Dance party time indeed! Lets see those happy feet!

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  7. Ahhh, feeling energized + relaxed already!
    Appreciations, Janie!

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    1. You are welcome Jan. If we don't take care of ourselves, no one will.

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