Seriously, I don’t think I picked a worse second profession for my figure. Right now I’m attempting to lose the baby weight (it seems “I just had a baby” doesn’t work as well after six months). So I’m now caught in this battle between sitting in my chair typing away furiously and lacing up my sneakers—that are still far-too white.
Writing is so sedentary. There are only a few ways that you can do it while being active, and believe me I’ve tried.
- I’ve tried to bring a voice recorder on a walk (but that only works for brainstorming and plot outline)
- I’ve tried to go for walks with friends that will listen to me babble on about my book (you can only do this once in a while, or you’ll find them suddenly very busy when you ask to go for the next walk)
- I even made a shelf on my treadmill for my laptop (only works for light editing and you have to go at a slow pace)
I admit, I get manic when I get into my writing/editing groove and there is very little that can tear me away from my chair and laptop. It’s like there is this force pulling me between getting out into the world and holing up to delve into my imagined worlds. I feel guilty if I don’t sit and write for a few hours, and I feel guilty if I don’t get out and move. And unfortunately, with a five-year old and a six-month old, there’s really not a lot of free time there for me anyway.
Do you all feel this pull between your writing and staying active? How do you cope?
I find that running and doing some pilates-esque exercise before I start writing really helps. That way the mind is clear and you can focus on the writing knowing you have got your fitness in for the day.
Would earlier mornings/later evenings work better for your schedule, maybe?
You’re right Sara, I have to allow some time for both. I’ll have to just figure out a time for exercising and put aside a little time for writing everyday. Problem is, once I start to write it’s so hard to stop! How much time do you give for exercising and writing each day?
I know what you mean. A writing writer is a force to be reckoned with. 😀 I run for about 20 to 30 minutes and then do about 10-15 minutes of abs/arms. I have an afternoon job so I write from about 9am-11am and also after work if I am not too tired.
Also need to solve this issue! I have an almost 2 month old and I keep telling myself I have to start exercising “this week” lol I haven’t even gotten back to writing. i’m hoping I can fit both things in through a write one day/exercise one day schedule or maybe a little of each every day like in the previous post. I’m a college student so I can’t wait until summer when I will have a few months off to focus on writing and being active (and spending time with baby of course!)
Baby, writing, and college! Now that sounds like a very full plate. I’m sure it is so hard to fit any time in for yourself. It is so frustrating though, right?
I think I’m too tired to be frustrated! Right now I’m focusing on my schoolwork and caring for my little one. Little by little, I am trying to work in writing and exercise. I do try to make at least a little time for myself every day, though. I relax a few extra minutes in the shower and read for pleasure a few minutes here and there throughout the day. Otherwise, I would go nuts! Oh, and letting the chores slide :b
Yes, chores are definitely at the bottom of the list! Sounds like you’re doing a great job 🙂
I make myself exercise before I start writing, or else I’ll never pull myself away once I get started. 🙂
I’m seeing a trend here. Looks like I’ll be getting up early!
I’m starting a diet (no more gummy bears) and I plan to exercise more when I get home (been away for a month).
I understand busy and how life interferes with writing. When I get home, I’m back to the finger exercise in order to complete the 2nd book in my series.
When I hear most authors or writers stories, I find we all fit in their somewhere. Without exercise, how can we get those juices flowing in the brain. I know my fingers walk more than my feet lately.
Gotta move it move it. Gonna move it move it! Yeah, Let’s move……IT!
Thanks for this great blog. I enjoyed it. Now, I’m off to sleep to dream about exercise.
Enjoy those precious babies.
hmm…I wonder how many calories typing burns? At least my fingers will stay toned while the rest of me wobbles…haha.
I made myself a treadmill desk. I spend all day at my desk as a graphic designer and writer I just had to change things up. I got a second hand treadmill, added a coffee table to my desk and voila. Works like a treat and I burn about 900 cals a day. Won’t ever go back 😀
See, I must need a sturdier shelf on mine since I can’t type very well. I just might need to revamp mine. 900 calories sounds fantastic!
Yeah I did a lot of research about treadmill desks. I have mine set up with my desktop computer, not a laptop. The treadmill is not attached in any way so it doesn’t shake around. A lot of people think it’s super expensive but it’s really not if you already have a desk to work with. Remove the side bars of the treadmill, slip it under the desk, put a coffee table on top of the desk to reach the right height and away we go!
I cope with the sedentary nature of writing by simply loosening my belt – but the damn thing keeps shrinking on me…