Spending large amounts of time looking down—be it at the computer screen or if I’m writing freehand—is very hard on my neck. I was in a riding accident several years ago which resulted in a pretty severe neck injury, including damage to a nerve cluster called the “brachial plexus” onContinue Reading
Writing vs. having written—which do you prefer? I’ve heard colleagues say writing is difficult and painful, while “having written” brings achievement, elation, pride. “I asked a Hamline workshop once how many of them actually liked to write and most of them preferred having written: the pride in finishing, the appearanceContinue Reading
You know, I’ve found a lot of physical challenges in writing, but perhaps not along the lines of what you might envisage. I know there are all sorts of carpal issues and back issues, and lord only knows that a bloody good seat is absolutely essential, but I find thatContinue Reading
You’ve got thirty minutes of uninterrupted time, but you can’t focus. You stare, shift positions, and heave a big sigh. A minute passes, and then another. Maybe you write a word or two, or pull a few brush strokes across the canvas. But then you stop. Your mind is mush.Continue Reading
I would have to say that the biggest challenge has been to try to stay active, both at my desk and away. I suffer from back pain, so strenuous exercise is difficult. Like most people, I have gained a few pounds over the years, especially when the weather turns cold.Continue Reading
[My biggest challenge is] probably avoiding a repetitive strain injury, although I try to minimize that as much as I can through exercises; not sitting still for too long. Although when I’m completely wrapped up in a project, that can be difficult. I go to the gym as often asContinue Reading
Office workers—or those that regularly work at the computer —are notorious soda drinkers. Healthier options include tea, sparkling water, and even coffee, but from my experience, many people have a hard time sticking with that commitment forever. Sometimes, one just needs a Dr. Pepper. (Or Pepsi or Coke or whateverContinue Reading
When I am at a computer for long stretches of time, I tend to get snack-ish. It’s a guarantee. I will crave sugar and chocolate and chips and soda and everything unhealthy I can imagine. When I used to work in an office, I gained ten pounds in a yearContinue Reading
If you go too long without taking time off—real time off—you run the risk of suffering from cerebral congestion, which sabotages creativity and imagination.
I don’t like to sit still, so I find that I write in spurts, and sometimes standing up at an improvised desk (my laptop atop a fat dictionary atop a short bookcase). I make all my phone calls when I’m out walking. I need to get outside and move, otherwiseContinue Reading
Do you struggle with back pain? The American Chiropractic Association states that one-half of all working Americans suffer back pain symptoms each year. Talk to any serious writer or office worker and you’ll likely hear about back pain. “Like many writers,” says author Jana Richards, “I spend a lot ofContinue Reading
I do suffer from a degenerative disc and that gives me quite a lot of pain some days. I also get lost in my writing and forget to cook meals for myself. For my back, I keep changing positions. I make reasons to jump up and move around at leastContinue Reading