A friend and fellow writer recently posted this question on our Catholic writers' listserve:
I am looking for your input, specifically your comments on my recent blog post that deals with the challenges of having a very sedentary job: freelance writing. When you spend 5-8 hours a day sitting at the computer, it is easy to lose good posture and to suffer from backaches and muscle tension... Is it necessary to sacrifice the body for writing? Please share your tips as I am desperate to know what they are!
If you found yourself nodding as you read her statement, you're not alone! Her question prompted an avalanche of sharing, advice, and suggestions.
Because I've developed a chronic/auto immune condition the past six or so years that affects my joints, I've had to not only address this question, but also to take it seriously.
My first big surgery was on my spinal cord/neck five years ago, when I had cervical spine surgery and fusion on my C-4 and C-5 vertebrae. I can't afford NOT to pay attention to my body when I sit to write for hours to work on any project.
So, if you need to reevaluate your work environment to help your physical needs, here's
3 suggestions to get you started:
My first big surgery was on my spinal cord/neck five years ago, when I had cervical spine surgery and fusion on my C-4 and C-5 vertebrae. I can't afford NOT to pay attention to my body when I sit to write for hours to work on any project.
So, if you need to reevaluate your work environment to help your physical needs, here's
3 suggestions to get you started:
my Diego
#1, get up every hour and stretch, walk outside, check out your garden, look at the clouds, whatever… I have a great Siberian Husky named Diego that puts his head on my leg and reminds me to go out and play. And by the way, WAY TO GO to all of you who walk regularly, do yoga, etc!
#2, be attentive to your position AS YOU WRITE -- in addition to sitting up straight, the rule for your spine is that your legs should be perpendicular to the floor. Read about this subject and take it seriously. There are lots of gadgets to help, but from my perspective the most important thing is to notice, be aware, of how you work in order to assess how to make your environment help you.
Here's a great visual guide to office ergonomics from the Mayo Clinic.
Here's a great visual guide to office ergonomics from the Mayo Clinic.
#3, If you are going to invest in something, and you have neck issues -- invest in a split keyboard that "opens" your shoulders by positioning your hands/arms further apart than a regular keyboard, easing the pressure on your neck. The one I have is called a Kinesis freestyle, and I use it with something called an Ascent that raises it in the middle for comfort. It took me a while to get used to it, but it has made all the difference. Here's a picture of my keyboard:
One final thought to ponder -- I don't believe that we have to "sacrifice" our body in order to pursue our vocation as writers. That's not godly behavior. Our loving God clearly wants us to be mindful of our mind, spirit, and body. As St Paul says in his letter to the Thessalonians:
"...perfect in holiness… May he preserve you whole and entire, spirit, soul, and BODY, irreproachable at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." [1 Thes 5:23]
Yes, the beloved canine companion makes a difference in activity. Our Gracie became ill and could not walk much beginning at Christmas 2011. She was with us until the end of July 2012, and with her lack of walking came my own. :-(
ReplyDeleteIn mid December Ellie came to our home, a lively young mix breed. She and I have been walking. On Sunday I got a Fitbit (see fitbit.com) and I must say that so far (a few short days...) I have been challenged to walk a little further each day. My hope is that if I can do this in the snow (which the dog loves) and in the winter, that I can keep going farther when the spring comes.
Posture while writing... you do not want to know how poorly I sit. I do want to thank you for the reminder to do otherwise!
Fran, isn't it amazing how much those beloved dogs become a part of our family?? The end of my 40s was a difficult time for me, physically, and my beloved Lobo (a 12 year old Siberian Husky) was exactly what I needed. we both moved slow, took our time, and kept each other company. He died the week I turned 50 -- and I felt the hole in my life for a long time.
DeleteA year or so later, my husband surprised me with this lively Husky puppy that loves to be touched and to keep me company. He even likes to kiss (which Lobo never ever did). As I'm committed to work through physical challenges to find a new balance, the energy and love of Diego has been a real blessing.
Coincidence?? me thinks not :-) I'm checking out fitbit right now.