H is for Health – Self-publishing from A to Z

I know what you’re thinking, what does health have to do with self-publishing? Everything in my opinion. There are many mental and physical problems that can occur when you are a writer, and as a self-publisher. Here are a list of problems I’ve faced whilst tackling the self-publishing route:

Isolation – having no one to talk to that understands can be lonely
Stress – trying to maintain a household, job and writing career all at once
Self doubt – you are often the only one tackling your problems, and it can be easy to put yourself down when something doesn’t go right
Being physically inactive for long periods – sitting in a chair squashes your back discs
Poor diet – you forget to eat, or just grab the quickest sugar fix and coffee
Eye degeneration – staring at a screen all day is bad for your eyes
Brain overload – I used to think it was baby brain, but my youngest is 4 and I find I’m forgetful because my head is lost in my story
Lack of sleep – sometimes you just have too much work to do so go to bed late and get up early.

 

Ways to remain productive and healthy at the same time

Catch up on ‘how to’ podcasts when you are going for a walk, catching the train or driving. Check out these podcasts for a place to start: Helping Writers become Authors, Sell more books, So you want to be a writer.
Either get up early or go to bed late – don’t do both. Make sure you get at least 7 hours sleep
Join a writing club, or network online. This is great for getting you talking to like-minded individuals. If you write romance, the RWA is amazing. There’s usually one in every country. You don’t have to be a full on romance author too, just a little in your books is enough to join.
A sedentary lifestyle can be as bad for your health as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day! Try putting your laptop on the kitchen bench a couple of times a day and stand as you type. Use a dictation app on your phone and walk around the block. Do back exercises and stretch often. Just think your arms are pulling forward at the computer, so stretch them backwards.
Buy some fruit and nut mixes to up your magnesium and zinc. Snack on these instead of fatty foods. Occasionally, I’ve been known to throw in a handful of dark chocolate covered coffee beans. Yes, there’s a bit of sugar and caffeine in there, but it makes me more likely to grab a handful of all the other good nuts.
Have a bottle of water at your desk. You’d be surprised at how much you will drink when it’s sitting in front of you.
Have regular eye check ups, and every so often, look at something other than the screen to give your eyes a break.
Have your desk set up ergonomically correct so you don’t wind up with a sore neck/back and RSI
And of course – writers need to take time out to relax! If you don’t, your stress levels will be so high you’ll have a heart attack. And guess what’s the best way to relax? READ!

Do you have any other tips to stay healthy? 

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