Health and the Writer, By Camy Tang
While working full time and writing, it became hard for me to stay in shape. This wasn't a vain observation--I have genetic health problems that exploded when I started spending all my time with butt glued to computer chair. The work environment also didn't help since I spent some time eating out for lunch with coworkers. My friends who are stay-at-home-moms had similar problems with the stress of kids and the lure of fast food dinners.
I researched and figured out a bunch of tips and tricks to help me stay in shape without carving out of my precious writing time. I also found some tips to help me have just general better health. Pick and choose which of these will work for you.
Drink more water.
At least 64 ounces a day, more if you drink caffeinated beverages (which dry you out). This will increase your body's resting metabolism, meaning your body will be burning calories and have better circulation even when you’re sitting or sleeping. Drinking more water will also prevent urinary tract infections—yuckos! Who likes those?—and enable your body to more easily flush toxins away.
It will cause you to go to the restroom more often. However, being dehydrated has disastrous effects not only on your health—think urinary tract infections—but it will also decrease your brain activity. You might be having problems focusing or being creative in your writing because you’re dehydrated.
If you work outside the home: Drink a bottle of water on the drive to and from work. Take a bottle of water into those meetings instead of a cup of coffee. Drink water at your desk in-between cups of java or tea.
If you’re at home: Get a large water bottle and keep it on your writing desk so you can drink from it while you’re writing. Get used to carrying a small water bottle in your purse. Stash water bottles at various places in the house, especially the TV room and beside your bed.
Check out Camy’s website
And Camy’s blog
Labels: Health
posted by Tricia Goyer at 9:53 AM
3 Comments:
Great column, Camy! I can so relate since my weight became an issue with my desk job 3 yrs ago. I'm really working hard to get my health back. My brother got me a "Bubba Keg" drink holder (holds 52 ounces) and I usually drink more water than that holds. I've felt so much better and it's helped me not to retain water, and bit by bit weight is coming off. It works people!! :)
This is quite timely for me, Camy--thanks for posting on something important for us writerly types:-) I need to lose 30 lbs!! Going to get a bigger water bottle right now...
Ya know, it makes sense that the more you go to the bathroom, the more junk will wash out of the old bod. I have a quart water bottle gathering dust, but soon it will be filled with fresh, Britta water. Thanks for the tip.
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