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Monday, January 13, 2025

Maintaining Health and Creativity as a Writer

By Elizabeth S. Craig


This post covers a topic that I think a lot about, especially at the beginning of each year. It seems like, at the start of the new year, there's a lot of advice out there about driving ourselves forward and getting our goals accomplished. I'm very goal-oriented too, but I've learned through the years that balance is incredibly important.

Ergonomics Matter:

Invest in a comfortable, ergonomic writing setup. This includes a good chair, a desk at the right height, and proper positioning of your computer screen. Your body will thank you for it in the long run. Believe me. I had months of PT, years ago, for sitting on a sofa while writing (with my feet up on the coffee table. Apparently, this is very bad.)

Take Regular Breaks:


This is one I continue reminding myself to do. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain and gives your body a chance to move. I also will look at something far away, something mid-range, and something close-up.

Stay Hydrated:

Keep a water bottle at your writing desk and make a habit of drinking regularly. Staying hydrated can really help with focus and energy.

Incorporate Movement:

Schedule short exercise breaks into your writing routine. This could be a quick walk, some stretches, or a few minutes of yoga. Physical activity can boost creativity and help prevent the negative effects of prolonged sitting. If we're writing a lot, we're usually sitting a lot.

Set Boundaries:

Establish clear work-life boundaries, especially if you write from home. Have set "office hours" and resist the urge to check your writing projects during personal time. It's something I struggle with, but I always try to wrap things up each day by 4:30 pm.

And always remember to be kind to yourself. I'm definitely the person who's toughest on me in my life, and I'm probably not the only one in this boat. Don't push yourself too hard. Understand when you need to take a break . . . whether it's for a day or longer.

What tips for self-care can you add to this list? Are there any you struggle with?


Bestselling cozy mystery author Elizabeth Spann Craig is a library-loving, avid mystery reader. A pet-owning Southerner, her five series are full of cats, corgis, and cheese grits. The mother of two, she lives with her husband, a fun-loving corgi, and a couple of beautiful fluffball cats. Follow Elizabeth and learn more about her books by visiting her website.

14 comments:

  1. I always stay hydrated although getting up from my desk often at work is harder to remember. And writing on the sofa in that position is bad - good to know. I won't ever do it.

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  2. Thanks to the IWSG for hosting me today!

    Alex: Getting up can be hard to remember, for sure. We get into a zone and breaking it isn't intuitive!

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  3. Self-care is such an important part of being a writer, isn't it? Those little things (like staying hydrated, moving around, setting boundaries) add up to so much. Thanks for the reminder.

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  4. Margot: It's an easily-forgotten but essential part of keeping ourselves ready to write. :)

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  5. Thanks for the tips, Elizabeth. I need to remember to move around more. I usually write standing at my kitchen counter. It's better than sitting but I'm still stationary.

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  6. Natalie: I'm impressed by your standing desk/counter setup!

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  7. Taking breaks isn't a problem for me as I'm always doing several things at once. Setting office hours...I try to call it no later than 8 pm.

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    1. With as much as you have on your plate, 8pm is probably reasonable for you!

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  8. Excellent tips. I write from the laptop on the sofa with the feet propped up on the coffee table. That could explain the hip and knee pain I've been having lately.

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    1. The PT person went berserk when I told him that's how I was sitting!

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  9. Balancing health and creativity is essential for long-term success as a writer. It’s inspiring to see discussions on maintaining well-being while nurturing creativity. A healthy mind and body truly enhance productivity and artistic expression. Great insights and valuable reminders for every writer!

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    1. Whole-body health is important for writing. Thanks for coming by!

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  10. Hi Elizabeth - all excellent tips to keep healthy while writing ... our health is the most important thing in our lives ... cheers Hilary

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  11. Hi Elizabeth - having trained as a secretary ... I cannot write very much loafing in a comfortable chair or sofa (even worse!) ... I need my screen on a desk ... with keyboard and mouse ... I'm happy then and can concentrate (theoretically!) on what's being typed up. Thanks for these tips - I need to get back to a routine - which I had when I used to visit my mother ... things to do and get done, up the road, and then back to repeat ... as you mention to Vaska - whole-body health is so important. Cheers and a very happy 2025 - Hilary

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