Monday, January 11, 2010

Embracing Your Healthy Habits: Part One

This week we're looking at what we're doing right for our health and why it helps our writing.



Most of us have windows of time we use to write: an hour first thing in the morning, a few hours in the afternoon, or an hour or two at night. We're squeezing it into an already busy schedule. How do we fit exercise and the whole healthy eating thing into our life too?

Contestants on The Biggest Loser have to work out around six hours a day to lose enough weight to stay competitive, but the average person doesn't. I'll bet you're fitting in small bouts of exercise and you don't even realize it. It's easy to fit all kinds of movement into your day.


I walk up the flight of stairs from my living room to my office at least three times a day. When I end a writing session, I stand and stretch my arms over my head, then I bend forward to touch my toes. It's a yoga move, but it's also relaxing. When I take the puppy outside, I do a few circuits of squats or leg lifts.

My body thinks of it as exercise even if I don't, and that's what counts. At night while watching television, I do stomach crunches. It only takes about three minutes, but it makes such a difference.

In the winter, my treadmill is my main source of cardio, but if I skip a day or two, I know I'm at least getting some exercise with my mini-sessions throughout the day.

But how does this relate to writing? Exercise pumps oxygen to our organs, including our brains. It also releases endorphins, which are mood boosters. When we strengthen our muscles, our body is better able to support long writing sessions. No more aching neck or back! Plus, we feel good about ourselves when we take care of our bodies. Good feelings promote confidence, and that's a huge factor in writing.



Another benefit of exercise is its cost-saving qualities. It's cheaper to exercise than to pay for diabetes and high-blood pressure medications.

My sneaky exercise fill-ins take less than ten-minutes total of my day. Can anyone truly claim they can't do a few stretches, squats, or crunches each day? Sorry, no one is that pressed for time.

What sneaky exercise habits do you incorporate into your schedule each day? Do you think your body notices? Does it help you sit and write longer because you aren't in pain?

Join me on Wednesday when we'll look at the healthy eating habits we overlook.

42 comments:

  1. Ugh, I stink at this. My doctor told me, "When you're pregnant, we usually recommend you keep at the same exercise level you are currently at."

    WOOHOO for that! Unfortunately, mine is at very low. Although I do like to do a 30 min free step on the WiiFit while I watch Wheel of Fortune... that counts right?!?

    *sigh* I need to do better. This I know

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  2. I had to get past sneaking it in, per my doctor's orders. Sigh. It's not my favorite thing to do, but God sent me a workout buddy. It takes me three 1.25-1.5 hour sessions per week at the gym to maintain my weight, and four sessions to lose. The key for me is variety--some days I do weights and cardio classes, some days step class and core class, and some days just the treadmill. It feels good....once it's over for the day.

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  3. I was chatting with a friend yesterday about incorporating exercise into my life. We just purchased a Wii for the kids, I'm thinking of purchasing a Wii Fit.

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  4. I love to get on the treadmill when no one else is around. It's when I do my best plotting!

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  5. I'm up and down the stairs often, but also incorporate more exercise into all of my life. At the mall, if there are no stairs, I'll "walk" up the escalator, park far from the entranceway, things like that. Exercise really does have to become almost another very routine, conscious part of our life, and feels great too :)

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  6. Lovely post. :)

    My secret weapon is my chipmunks. I chase four of them every day, all day. There are stairs involved, and one of them has enough energy for six. I also like to do Tai Chi in the evening before bed. It's nice and relaxing and makes me feel good. :)

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  7. I've sucked it up and walked the last few days even though I'm recovering from a cold. I'm grateful for it b/c my mind feels sharpened.
    ~ Wendy

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  8. You're right on this -- but it's so tough to fit it all in on some days. But, I guess if I'm running from sun up to sun down doing errands, chores, work, etc...then it counts for excercise.

    at least, I'm hoping :)

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  9. I've been bad about exercising lately, but this week, I decided to get back on track. Thanks for the extra little nudge I needed.

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  10. Ha! I'm talking about exercise too today! That's funny! I just started incorporating it into my life again. So far I'm actually enjoying it, which is a huge surprise. I think I like that it's different (I'm doing p90x). And right now it's too cold to go outside, so I don't have the option of running and hating every second that I'm running. :0)

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  11. Good morning!

    Krista: Why are you so hard on yourself?? You're doing 30 minutes free step on the Wii--that's awesome!

    Georgiana: Wow--you are amazing. Most people skip a doctor's order to exercise. You're doing great and I know it's rough to psyche yourself up for long sessions, but just think of how much you've accomplished by doing it! It's great!

    Tamika: The Wii is tons of fun! I don't have Wii Fit, but one of my friends lost 20 pounds using it! It works!

    Terri: I hear you! If I walk long and slow, I can read while I'm on the treadmill. For the days I'm jogging, I watch television. It's very much a mini-break!

    Joanne: I agree. The more active I am, the less I notice. It's wonderful to have energy!

    Danyelle: Tai-chi--I've heard about the health benefits, but I haven't tried it. Maybe it's time to rent a DVD? Thanks for the tip!

    Wendy: You rock! Walking even with a cold--woo-hoo!

    Tess: Yep. It does. I'm convinced my metabolism is in overdrive because I'm so busy!

    Susan: We all need a nudge! I know I do!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  12. I think in general writers are disciplined and that's why it's only natural for us to want to take care of our bodies (not just our hands ;)

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  13. Kristen: I like exercising once I'm actually doing it, and I love it when my clothes start to fit better. Great incentive!

    T.Anne: Nice point. Now that you mention it, I do take care of my hands--not my nails, my hands. I constantly slather them with cocoa butter!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  14. I'm sort-of an exercise addict. I do the bulk of my writing while walking on my treadmill. Like you, I try to incorporate mini stretching sessions throughout my day, some pushups and situps too.
    And,I run or ski a few times a week.

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  15. I did a lot better in the summer and fall when I could walk outside. And I loved that I could do it with my daughters. So maybe once it warms up then I can pick that up again. For now, does running around the house breaking up fights, or trying to meet the needs of five children count?! Seriously, you've given me some good points to consider. Thank you!

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  16. Paul: That's the nice thing about living in cold climates--the fun outdoor sports. We went sledding this weekend--talk about a calorie burner!

    Jody: I know! Have you tried an exercise tape to do with them? We do a ten-minute dance workout now and then. It's always funny because we can't get the moves down!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  17. I sometimes go walking at lunch with a friend. Not only do I enjoy the exercise, but I enjoy the chats, too. My husband and I also have a cleaning job in the evenings, and all the bending, lifting, and walking should count for exercise!

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  18. I walk to/from Starbucks where I go (religiously!) each day to indulge in my fave coffee drink and do my writing. 20 minutes each way...that's 40 minutes for the day. I can get some good plotting ideas when I walk so that's an added bonus for me. Patrice

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  19. I just started my new workout schedule today and though I'm not looking forward to exercise most of the time, once I get used to it, it becomes part of the daily routine and almost necessary. It does make me feel better and definitely more productive.

    I like to do small sets of exercises during commercials if I'm watching television at night. Or I'll take the stairs more often or walk to pick up my daughter from school if it's a nice day.

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  20. Sallyo: Yes, it counts!

    Patrice: Brr...you're brave walking in winter! But the coffee is a great reward. Yum!

    Cindy: It's not so bad once you get in a routine. And I don't know about you, but it makes me feel so good about myself when I'm sticking with it.

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  21. Well, I'm doing the greatest at this anymore. I need to get back into using my treadmill laptop table.

    I am walking twice a week with a friend and I don't begrudge having to go down and up the stairs anymore. I look at it as a bit of exercise these days. But I really must put more effort into this!! And drink more water, too!

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  22. Although I've been slacking lately, my Wii Active program is what I use to work out. A new program that I'm interested in is the "Your Shape." It looks similar to the PS2 program Kinetic that I used to have and loved. As far as little things to sneak in... picking up my 4 year old (he's 1/2 my size), walking up and down stairs, and the occasional dancing around the room.

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  23. Sneaky exercise is a great idea. I do a lot of gardening which is a really great work out! But the boxing is what really keeps me fit. And it goes a long way to the 'happy feeling' too.

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  24. Exercise makes my heart sing and my brain sort out all the jumbled gray matter.

    Plus I really feel young when I move the old legs and arms. And if weather imprisons me, I allow myself an hour of Television while I either do yoga or ride the stationary bike.

    Sneaky stuff? I run up and down stairs. Willingly fetch stuff for folks. Shake all over if I get antsy. Do those things count????

    Blessings, dear one.
    Patti
    www.pattilacy.com/blog

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  25. Well, in the summer, when it's nice and warm, I take the dog and the baby on a walk, AND I read at the same time.

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  26. I hit the gym 3-4 times per week. Sneaky exercise - my only bathroom is upstairs, and grocery shopping can easily add a lot of steps.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  27. I haven't exercised near enough lately. It's just too cold! Isn't that the worst excuse ever? I've also started back to work. Also a bad excuse, because I do own a treadmill at home as a backup. Okay, fine! I'll try harder. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  28. I take extra trips up and down the stairs when I can. I pace when I am on the phone, and park farther away from my destination. Will take stairs instead of the elevator for smaller buildings. I sometimes add light weights to my walking routine. Thanks for the thoughts, looking forward to the next ones:)

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  29. At work, I am up and down out of my chair, greeting visitors. Also, the printer is around the corner and I have to get up and down alot for that. But that's about all I get. Up and down. Up and down. ;)

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  30. I sure wish IMing was an exercise! :)

    I have a treadmill that is calling my name right now. I try to park away from the door when I go shopping so I add some extra steps.

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  31. I don't sneak in time, I pay myself first before I write.
    I actually carve out a full hour to run 3 times a week. I do a fourth day, too, but I do weights or just walk then.

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  32. Eileen: You should! Your writing/walking works for you, and I think it's a cool concept!

    CMOM: Love it! Dancing around the house and picking up little ones are great sneaky exercises!

    Tabitha: Gardening is hard work! Boxing...hmmm..intriguing!

    Patti: We sound a lot alike. I have a hard time sitting and doing nothing--antsy!

    Katie: Now that's multi-tasking! In a good way!

    Susan R: You have a great routine. And you're right--grocery shopping does add a lot of steps!

    Heather: No doubt! Uggh! It's sooo cold. You'll find a routine again when life settles down.

    Karen: You are a very sneaky exerciser! I'm snagging some of your ideas!

    Sherrinda: Maybe I should move my printer to another room? :)

    Erica: IMing isn't? Shoot. Oh well, I guess we'll have to keep exercising the hard way, right?

    Jennifer: Wow! You must be in great shape. I'll bet you have a ton of energy, too!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  33. I love how you sneak in your exercise. I try to do the same thing. I usually play a game of chase with my 2 1/2 year old some time during the day (whether planned or not), practice volleyball with my 9 year old and yoga moves with my 7 year old. It's just a little, but it is something for the days I don't get to do a formal workout:)

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  34. In the summer I walk and that encourages me to do weights, too. In winter, I get the mail for exercise. I went to the mall on Sat. It's a circle type. I went all the way around walking quickly, not to mention all that dressing and undressing. Whew! What a workout.

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  35. Kara: I like moving around with the kids, too. They're great motivators!

    Nancy: Mall walking is ideal in the winter! Plus, you can always grab a cup of coffee and people watch after.

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  36. I don't exercise in winter because I love to walk and it's just too cold. I go and down the stairs and do the house chores but I miss walking. Julia Cameron recommends it. Can't wait for the spring!!
    Maryse

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  37. Maryse: I can't wait for spring, either! We went sledding this weekend, which was a lot of fun, but it still doesn't compare to the delights of blossoming trees. Spring, come quickly!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  38. Love this post! With a degree in Fitness and a minor in Nutrition, your posts are right up my alley! Exercise keeps me sane - it helps me to focus, and provides an intense time of prayer for me. I love the beneficial endorphin effect and the results are well worth the effort.

    Incidental exercise is an added plus - playing with and walking our dogs! Parking farther away from the store entrance so I get in some extra walking. Good stuff, Jill. Looking forward to Wednesday's post! God bless!

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  39. Oh boy, I guess it's good that you saved the healthy eating post for tomorrow considering I just ate my weight in Twizzlers. Well, I am planning on going to the gym tomorrow, so that's got to count for something, right?

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  40. This is interesting. A lot of people don't think about keeping healthy as a part of writing. Well you've squashed THAT rumor...

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  41. Maria M: It's not hard to move more if I'm intentional about it. Thanks!

    Lisa and Laura: Sometimes we have to eat our weight in Twizzlers. It's a fact of life!

    Maria S: Our health and our performance are connected. Maybe that can be a motivator, right?

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  42. I walk everywhere. I don't have to sneak it in cause I live within the center of town. I do form my thoughts while I go from place to place.

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