Into a Writer's Head

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Labels: healthier you

posted by Erin @ 8:45 PM 2 comments

Who said all multi-tasking is bad?

Okay, if you've been listening to the news at all...or even to my dear friend The Happy Writer, you know that multi-tasking as not nearly as effective as we once believed.  Apparently when you aren't giving your full attention to something it takes longer to do. 
Imagine that. 
But the last few days I've been testing out a new theory.  This theory is that not all multi-tasking is bad.  For example, putting on your favorite dance music while cleaning can, in fact, make things better.  Alas, I'm not hear to talk about how to make your daily household chores more palatable.  Instead I'd like to talk to you about how you can improve your writing while exercising. 
I know, the two are pretty much mutually exclusive, unless you have one of those fancy writing treadmill desks (which, fyi, I want...I'm just sayin').  We all know that turning up the volume on faced paced music can not only get us moving faster, but it can also provide incentive to get our buts on that treadmill or elliptical machine.  
The other day, rather than turn on the tunes when I started my weight routine, I decided to turn on a workshop from RWA '11.  I ordered the CDs over the summer, and I've had them downloaded to my iPod for months.  But had I listened to a single one yet?  Of course not.  Who has the time?  
Except I did.  Sort of.  I'm doing my weight routine twice a week now.  It takes between 30-45 min. to complete.  That's 30-45 min. I could spend listening to a workshop (almost all of which are under an hour).  So I decided to give it a try. I've now worked through three different sessions, and I have to admit this may be my new thing.  First of all, I'm not getting tired of my music.  Second of all, because I don't have to "think" as much when I'm doing my weight routine, I can pay attention to the workshop.  And since I'm not walking or ellipticalling (is that even a word?), I don't have to worry about my pace.  
It's a win-win I figure. So here's my weekly challenge to you: find time to perfect your craft in a way that is non-writing related.  Listen to a workshop at the gym.  Go for a walk with a friend and brainstorm your heart out.  But do something different.

Labels: healthier mind, healthier you

posted by Erin @ 6:48 PM 0 comments

Take time, take 2

A couple of months ago I talked about taking care of yourself.  In the past, this concept has mostly fallen by the wayside in the fall when I start back at work.  I find that I'm often working longer hours during that time.  Add in time with friends and family (relaxing), and that leaves less time for actually taking care of myself.  In this case, I'm talking about things like getting enough sleep, eating right, and exercising often enough.  Let's face it, it's easy to let these three things slide.  We want to see friends so we go out to dinner.  Mamma Mia is on t.v. so we stay up late on a work-night to watch it.  Since we went out to dinner with our friend, and because we're tired, we skip the gym.
They add up.
This year I challenged myself to not fall down that path.  I challenged myself to get my 8 hours of sleep a night, to not eat out as much, and to keep up with my exercise.  It's not always easy, and takes a lot of planning.  And let's face it, most night it's more like 7 or 7.5 hours.  I'm still seeing friends and family, just not as frequently.  Instead, I'm making myself a priority. 
The funny thing about it?  My friends totally get it.  I thought they'd feel left behind, or upset that they didn't see me enough.  Instead?  They are either looking for activities we can do together that let me get my workouts in (hike anyone?) or they're meeting me for a quick coffee instead of a full meal.  It takes a little less time, but let's me still get to meet up with my friends. 


So I challenge you: put yourself first.  Put your writing, your body, your needs first.  Believe it or not?  Those who love you will be more supportive than you think.  And you will reap the benefits.

Labels: healthier mind, healthier you

posted by Erin @ 2:26 PM 0 comments

New find...

Anyone else fall into food/drink ruts?  Especially in the school year, I end up eating a lot of the same foods all the time.  I'm convinced I'm missing key vitamins...but that's not what this post is about. 
It's about my newest find: Trader Joe's bottled White & Green Tea.  With a hint of mint, and a little bit of splenda, it's my newest love. It's especially coming in handy as I'm trying to stay away from pop again.  As I work on becoming the healthiest me possible, one of the keys (to me) is finding those little substitutions that give me the most bang for their buck.  I love tea, and I really love ice tea in warmer weather.  While fall is definitely on its way in, there's still enough sun around here to keep on drinking it.  
So what's your latest keeping you healthy find?

Labels: healthier you

posted by Erin @ 8:02 PM 1 comments

Quick check...

The school year is back in swing, which means I'm back to waking up at 0-dark thirty.  Which also means that I'm more tired on day two than I was on the first day.  I'll get used to it soon enough, but until then it's a struggle to do anything, let alone take care of myself. 
So, what do I do to combat this?  I make myself a deal.  I know myself well enough to know that if I come home (in this frame of mind), I won't leave again.  It'll take too much energy.  Instead I give myself twenty minutes.  That's it.  Twenty minutes of some kind of movement.  If all I can do afterward is collapse on the couch, so be it.  If, after twenty minutes, I have more energy and can go longer I do.  
What does this all have to do with writing?  Well, it's simple.  Give yourself twenty minutes.  You don't have to keep track of the pages.  You don't have to stay up all night.  Just spend twenty minutes writing.  If, at the end, you're ready for bed then go to sleep.  If you're not?  Well, maybe you can do another twenty!
Remember, in exercise as well as in writing, something is better than nothing.

Labels: healthier you

posted by Erin @ 8:25 PM 0 comments

Make time to take care of you...

Okay, time to 'fess up.  We've all done it.  We've all promised to ________ (fill in the blank with your choice: go see your doctor/chiropractor/dentist/acupuncturist, go get a manicure/pedicure, get a massage, go to the beach, read a book, watch a movie).  And we've all used the regular excuse of not having time or money to do so.  
Well, it's time to take a step back and re-evaluate.  It's no secret I've dealt with hand problems for the last several years.  It's also no secret that in recent months I've finally moved a whole lot closer to being back to normal.  
The reason? I started taking care of myself.  For years I've talked about going to get a massage once a month, or once every other month, you know the drill.  Then a month passes and funds are low, so I don't go.  And I don't go.  And again I don't go.  Let's face it, few of us can afford the $70+ it costs for a good one hour massage.  Instead they become little treats that we hold out for.  Last spring I stopped making excuses for not taking care of myself enough.  I had a choice.  I could continue to lived a stress-filled, pain-filled life, or I could do something about it.  About that time I saw a physical therapist and started taking advantage of a little known benefit in my health insurance...massage therapy. 
That's right folks.  For simply the cost of a co-pay, I'm getting twice monthly massages, and I feel great!  My stress levels are lower, and most importantly my body feels good.  
Now, I'm not telling all of you to go get a massage every other week, or to spend lots of money.  What I'm telling you to do is to start making the time for you.  Make that doctor appointment.  Go see a chiropractor or acupuncturist.  Go get a manicure, or treat yourself to lunch out.  Don't break the bank, but do treat yourself well. 
So tell me, what have you done lately to take care of you?

Labels: healthier you

posted by Erin @ 2:27 PM 2 comments

Biceps challenge...

The other day I went for a walk with my mother, and was telling her about my adventures in strength training.  I fully admit to taking the slow route here, folks.  I started by building up strength in my shoulders, and as that has now become a normal part of the routine, I've begun to add other exercises.
Like the standard bicep curl. 
I was so proud of myself too.  I'd built up to a whole 5 lbs. per side!  Yes, this was big news for me, considering I started out with my 3 lbs. weights.
My mom, proud of my progress, had a suggestion that I'm going to share with you (along with the usual caveat that I'm not a trainer, I have no training in sports medicine, or the like.  I'm not a doctor).  My mom IS a personal trainer, and is always great to go to for suggestions on simple tweaks that I can do at home. 
You'll need two hand weights in varying sizes (ex. 3 and 5 lbs., or 5 and 8 lbs.).  The lower weight should be something you could curl 8-10 times without having to stop for a break.  The heavier weight should be heavy enough that your muscle is exhausted within 3-4 repetitions.
So here it is, a small modification that can make a world of difference.   Start with the lesser of the two weights.  Starting with your right arm, do your standard bicep curl 5-6 times.  Then immediately switch to the heavier weight for 2-3 curls.
Switch to your left arm, and repeat the routine starting with the lighter weight.
You'll go though the whole routine 2 times to start with.  According to my mother, this will actually help you build up your strength a faster than doing 2-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions of a lighter weight.  The key is to fatigue the muscle. 
At first I wasn't so sure, but I gave her suggestion a try, and was amazed at the result.  After going through this routine only a few times, I can already lift the heavier weight 4 or 5 times, instead of just 2 or 3. 
I've even tried it with a tricep press.  I'll have to let you know how that one goes after I give it a few more times. 
***
So, what have you done recently to challenge yourself and go a little further? 

Labels: healthier you

posted by Erin @ 5:37 PM 2 comments

We've all heard it...

But how many of us do it?  Take a break that is.  I've read several articles recently reminding people to get up from the computer at least once an hour for several minutes.  Get up.  Move around.  Look at something other than a computer screen. 
Now, if you're anything like me, you get up and you may not sit back down for another hour as you become engrossed in various other timewasters (ie. housework).  For a long time I felt badly about this.  I thought I was being unproductive.  Recently however, I began to realize that those aren't the timewasters I thought they were.  In fact, what they are is the mental, physical, and visual break my poor body needs.
Challenge time!  I challenge you to take a 5 min. mini-break every hour.  You can walk around, you can read a magazine (stay away from the books, or your break will likely become two hours of wasted time), dance to some music, load the dishwasher, make some tea...anything!  Just remember to sit back down when you're done.

Labels: healthier you, healthy writer

posted by Erin @ 10:37 AM 0 comments

Switch it up!

Over the years I've learned some important things about myself.  Primarily, I get bored easily.  Maybe it's the Gemini in me...or maybe it's just that I have a short attention span.  I need to be challenged.  It's one reason I love writing.  Writing to me provides an opportunity to constantly push myself a little harder, a little further.
Our bodies are the same way.  We need to challenge ourselves, almost constantly.  If you do the same thing every day, for the same amount of time, eventually your body gets bored.  You may still enjoy it, but your body isn't reaping the same benefits.
So switch it up!  If you like to walk, find a new path or trail.  Maybe try a hike with more hills.  If you like to run, push yourself further.  Try training for a 5k.  If you're feeling really adventurous, try something entirely new.  Go for a swim, take a bike ride, try a new exercise class (Go Zumba!).  It doesn't matter what you do, just as long as you're pushing yourself. 

Labels: healthier you

posted by Erin @ 5:45 PM 0 comments

Strength time!

Okay, for this exercise you'll want an exercise band of fairly light resistance to start with.  You can do this sitting or standing, though sitting is easier for getting started.  This exercise will help to strengthen those shoulder muscles in the middle of your back.  As you're doing this exercise, imagine squeezing a tennis ball between your shoulder blades.
Step 1: hold your arms out in front of you, a little wider than shoulder width.  Hold the band on either end.
Step 2: Pull your arms (and the band) out toward your sides, squeezing your shoulder blades.
Step 3: Return to start (slowly), then repeat.
Do two sets of ten.  

Labels: healthier you, healthy writer

posted by Erin @ 5:37 PM 0 comments

Taking care of you...

As a writer we are in complete control of our characters.  Yes, they may have minds of their own.  Yes, they may travel down paths that lead to a dead end, causing you to backtrack (read: erase) many pages.  But ultimately, we're the one really in control. 
The same is true for ourselves.  We are in control.  We choose to get up and face the day with a positive attitude or as if we're walking to the guillotines.  We choose to eat five brownies or one apple.  We choose to lay on the couch all day or to go for a walk in the sunshine.  
We choose.
It's so simple really.  We make choices all the time.  So why is it we so rarely make the choice to take care of ourselves? To put ourselves first? 
Part of being a healthy writer is knowing when to put yourself first.  You need to know when to refill the well.  The how is up to you. But in order to be any good to anyone, you have to take care of YOU.  It's hard.  We have family and friends, husbands and children.  We have work and after school activities.  It's easier to say, "Sure!  I'll come out to (fill in the blank)," because we haven't seen our third cousin twice removed's daughter's son in eight years.  We want to spend time with these people.  But be careful because that dinner date (or coffee date, or play date, or...well, you get the drift) doesn't always refill the well.  Instead, it more often than not adds to the stress.  
So take a moment today.  Think about what you need to do to take care of you. Then schedule it.  If you don't, the opportunity will slip through your fingers.

Labels: healthier mind, healthier you

posted by Erin @ 5:47 PM 1 comments

Why exercise?

Most of us seem to fall in to one of two camps: you either love exercise and do it willingly, or else you hate it and do it grudgingly.  I fall somewhere in between the two.  I used to hate exercise.  I did it because I had to, and only when I had to.  It was a means to lose weight, that's about it.
In the last year or so, I've finally come to view exercise as something different: it's a stress reliever.  I don't think most of us realize this. 
Exercise serves many purposes.  Yes, it can help you to lose weight, or maintain a weight loss.  But it has an even greater purpose: your mind.  See, exercise increases blood flow everywhere, especially to your brain.  The more blood flows to your brain, the better your brain can work. 
It's that simple.
They've done many studies on this.  One recent study by the National Institute of Health has recently released a study that shows a connection between exercise and lower rates of Dementia.  Dr. John Medina has written an entire book on how the brain works, and devotes an entire chapter of to exercise and movement.
Exercise also helps to relieve stress.  And yes, I realize many of us connect exercise with adding more stress, but the fact is, getting up and moving around will actually help to lower your stress level.  For me, it's become what keeps me sane (or saner, according to my husband). 
So here's my challenge to you (because exercise does not need to be horrible and painful), take a walk. That's it.  Take a walk, once a day for 20 min.  Or twice a day for 10.  Or four times a day for 5.  You get the picture.  Get up and move!  You may just come back with a great new idea.

Labels: healthier mind, healthier you

posted by Erin @ 8:00 AM 0 comments

A Healthier You...

The other day I found myself in the bookstore looking at all the diet books, self-help books, beauty books, etc. and realized that everyone is out there trying to tell you the same thing: How to be a Healthier You.  The last several years have been a journey in health for me as I've taken control of chronic problems that I've had for years.  Now I'd like to share that journey with you, and hopefully inspire YOU to become the healthiest you, you can be.
They say the first step is recognizing you have a problem.  This is usually followed by denial.  In my case, both were true.  About 9 years ago I was diagnosed with Repetitive Stress Injury in both my hands.  All this really meant was that the doctors didn't really know what was wrong with me, they just knew I had a lot of pain.  No one knew what to do, and I spent the next 9 years searching for alternative therapies to avoid creating more problems and the avoid potential surgery.

Now, 9 years later, I'm finally on the road to being pain free.  At the same time, the weight I fought so hard to take off 12 years ago has started to creep back on.  I'm frustrated by this, as I'm sure many of you can relate.  So, what does this all have to do with you?  Simple, the new direction for this blog is to help you, and in helping you help myself, become the healthiest writer I can be.  To that end, you can look forward to healthy eating tips, losing weight strategies that I learned through my many years of working for one of the leading weight-loss programs, exercise tips, as well as some mental exercises to help you be healthy both physically and mentally. 
First up? The stretch every writer must do.

***Disclaimer*** I am not a doctor, a nurse, a health practitioner of any kind.  I'm not a personal trainer, and everything I share here are just ideas to get you started on a healthier road.  Please talk to your doctor before starting a new physical routine.

Labels: healthier you

posted by Erin @ 8:00 AM 3 comments