Let's Get Physical - Movement is a Must!

Dear writing friends,

Today I have a topic that is dear to my heart. In addition to being a former librarian, writer and author, I also have a background in the fitness industry. Now, before you stop reading, I promise this will be painless. I know exercise is not a favored subject.

Don't Cramp Your Style

We've all done it. It's easy to lose track of time when we're in the middle of a good writing session. Hours pass—you attempt to pry yourself out of your chair—what is that pain? I'm sure as you were finishing your last fabulous sentence you didn't think about muscle tension. Sitting in one position for a long time will cramp your style—literally!

Stretching is Our Friend

To avoid feeling physically uncomfortable after sitting at your desk, it's important to get up and move. Ideally, every hour is best, but at least every two hours is a must. Stretching will:

• Promote circulation
• Reduce muscle tension
• Maintain and improve flexibility

Stretch But Be Proper!

There is a right way and a wrong way to stretch. The most important rule: warm up beforehand. This can be accomplished by walking for about two minutes. Listen to music. Make it fun! Movement will get your blood flowing, preventing injury from stretching cold muscles. And, when you stretch, be sure it's to the point of feeling it, but not to the point of pain. Hold each stretch for 10-30 seconds. Remember, no bouncing to that music while stretching! Static stretches are best.

Tension Be Gone

Once you've warmed up, you can return to your chair. I have a few favorite stretches that always help me and I'm happy to share them with you.

☆Push Tension to the Curb Stretch☆

For hands, arms, shoulders, and upper back

Interlace your fingers, then straighten your arms out in front of you, chest height, palms facing out. Hold for 20 seconds. Relax and repeat two more times.

☆Look Away From the Computer Stretch☆

For the neck

Turn your head toward your left shoulder, looking straight to the left. Keep your shoulders relaxed. Hold for 5-10 seconds. Repeat on the other side, looking to the right. Stretch each side two times.

☆Dancing Fingers Stretch☆

For the hands

With your hands over your desk, palms down, straighten and separate your fingers until you feel slight tension. Hold for 10 seconds, relax. Then keep your palms down and make a fist. Hold for 10 seconds, relax. Repeat this pattern three times.

☆Eee, My Achin' Back Stretch☆

For lower back, chest and shoulders

Sitting tall in your chair, place your palms on the small of your lower back, fingertips pointing down. Gently push to move the body forward extending the chest. Tilt your chin up slightly. Hold for ten seconds. Relax and repeat two times.

☆The "I Dunno" Stretch (my favorite!)☆

For neck and shoulders

With your arms down by your sides, breathe in through the nose and raise your shoulders up toward your ears until you feel a slight tension. Hold for 5 seconds, then breathe out through your mouth, bringing your shoulders back to their natural position and relax. Repeat two more times.

Taking the time to move and then stretching during your writing sessions will enable you to sit at your desk for longer periods without causing the dreaded writer's body fatigue. Take good care of yourself and write brilliantly!

Till next time . . .