tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post5489144107976836508..comments2024-02-08T17:07:31.609-06:00Comments on Journeys with Jana: The Sedentary WriterJana Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624650840243322617noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-33229154005956602182010-12-03T19:08:38.206-06:002010-12-03T19:08:38.206-06:00Regan,thanks for telling me your story. Yes, we ne...Regan,thanks for telling me your story. Yes, we need to learn to listen to our bodies and pay attention to what they are telling us. And we need to learn to look after ourselves so we have the energy and zest to write the stories we want to write.<br /><br />JanaJana Richardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16624650840243322617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-39434339704195028342010-12-01T22:08:24.359-06:002010-12-01T22:08:24.359-06:00Thank you for taking the time to interview me, Jan...Thank you for taking the time to interview me, Jana. If my experience can help just one person it won't be for naught. We need to be a bit less stoic and pay a little more attention to our aches and pains and treat ourselves better with even just a little exercise.Missyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11240967927015870966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-1648223463620369232010-11-28T22:18:08.684-06:002010-11-28T22:18:08.684-06:00Julie, whatever exercise we can fit into our day i...Julie, whatever exercise we can fit into our day is great. I can be very lazy sometimes, and can think of many excuses not to exercise. Just keep trying hard. Keeping active is too important to ignore.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />JanaJana Richardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16624650840243322617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-6814756137786203732010-11-28T22:13:39.587-06:002010-11-28T22:13:39.587-06:00Hayley, I took a look at Arthur Slade's video....Hayley, I took a look at Arthur Slade's video. It seems like a really great idea. Did he say he burns 150 calories a day? Not too shabby.<br /><br />It may not work for all kinds of writing. When I'm brainstorming ideas I want to write long hand as well, usually curled up in a chair, or often on my bed. But even if you could do some of your writing on a treadmill desk, that would mean several hours not sitting.<br /><br />JanaJana Richardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16624650840243322617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-7176244350547847002010-11-26T22:05:06.795-06:002010-11-26T22:05:06.795-06:00Thanks for all this information, Jana. I always r...Thanks for all this information, Jana. I always resolve to exercise, but it's got to be more than just in my head. I do try to do the stair stepper or fold clothes while watching t.v. There's just so much to do it seems like that I can't do just one thing. After reading the bad health effects of too much sitting, I'll definitely have to walk my mile every day. Sometimes I'll keep little weights by the coffee table, so that when I'm watching t.v., I can lift them for a few minutes.Julie Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10242380140265459688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-86303935548241495852010-11-26T18:50:53.125-06:002010-11-26T18:50:53.125-06:00Arthur Slade (and several others I've seen now...Arthur Slade (and several others I've seen now) have <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9RDoetuw6A" rel="nofollow">treadmill desks</a> set up at home so they can write and keep mobile at the same time. It's a very slow, easy pace, but the simple difference between sitting and moving really does add up.<br /><br />It looks like a clever set up, but I wonder how well it would work for writing longhand rather than typing. I tend to curl in over my pen the more caught up I get in the writing. I just try, and fail, to move regularly. I tell myself each year I'll start biking more. Problem is biking weather = mosquito weather, so I keep stalling.Hayley E. Lavikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09896649083961644485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-56833913765056597842010-11-26T16:36:09.612-06:002010-11-26T16:36:09.612-06:00Hi Karyn,
Yes, I think I'll suit up Lou and ta...Hi Karyn,<br />Yes, I think I'll suit up Lou and take her for a walk. I hope she'll go for more than a block this time!<br /><br />JanaJana Richardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16624650840243322617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-60082873722689801562010-11-26T16:34:52.977-06:002010-11-26T16:34:52.977-06:00Hi Cindy,
It sounds like you stay pretty active, w...Hi Cindy,<br />It sounds like you stay pretty active, which is a very good thing. Being a writer means spending a lot of time alone sitting in front of your computer. It's kind of an occupational hazard. <br /><br />Best of luck with your writing and with staying active.<br /><br />JanaJana Richardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16624650840243322617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-60919046455521240332010-11-26T16:31:38.732-06:002010-11-26T16:31:38.732-06:00Hi LK,
Like I said in an earlier comment, I have l...Hi LK,<br />Like I said in an earlier comment, I have lower back issues too. I find the stretching in Yoga and Pilates very helpful. I think flexibility and balance become even more important as we get older. If you don't use it, you lose it! <br /><br />JanaJana Richardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16624650840243322617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-84009319403805149502010-11-26T16:27:13.944-06:002010-11-26T16:27:13.944-06:00Hi Mary,
So glad you could pop by! You make a good...Hi Mary,<br />So glad you could pop by! You make a good point about drinking water. I try to but sometimes I get engrossed in what I'm doing and forget. My chiropractor told me just recently that I should remember to drink a lot a water because it could help my back a little. I guess it keeps things well lubricated. And if I'm drinking a lot of water, I will certainly need to get up and move around because I'll have to go to the bathroom!<br /><br />Cheers,<br />JanaJana Richardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16624650840243322617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-55582932375865384322010-11-26T16:22:20.968-06:002010-11-26T16:22:20.968-06:00Liz, thanks for the book recommendation. It sounds...Liz, thanks for the book recommendation. It sounds like something I could definitely use. We writers have to remember that to be creative we have to look after the body as well as the imagination.<br /><br />All the best,<br />JanaJana Richardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16624650840243322617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-78664012787275489542010-11-26T16:19:19.562-06:002010-11-26T16:19:19.562-06:00Hi Leah,
You're lucky you get so much exercise...Hi Leah,<br />You're lucky you get so much exercise in your day job; so many of us don't. Even when you're writing, don't forget to move now and then.<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by,<br />JanaJana Richardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16624650840243322617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-19288994902004114792010-11-26T16:17:09.876-06:002010-11-26T16:17:09.876-06:00Hi Liana,
I do a yoga class and a Pilates class ea...Hi Liana,<br />I do a yoga class and a Pilates class each once a week. But I don't think I do enough either. I really need to add more cardio into my routine. I used to go to Curves gym for more than five years, and I really liked it, but about a year ago my back went out completely and I was worried that the weights were making it worse, so I quit. My back has been a real problem for me the last few years. I didn't connect my back problems with the amount of time I spend glued to a chair until I started doing research for this article. I definitely need more movement in my life.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing.<br />JanaJana Richardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16624650840243322617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-90381050166183223342010-11-26T16:10:30.044-06:002010-11-26T16:10:30.044-06:00Hey awalkabout,
I hear ya about exercising with o...Hey awalkabout, <br />I hear ya about exercising with others. I'll go one step further; don't count on exercising at home alone. I've purchased various pieces of exercise equipment over the years that seems to end up in a garage sale eventually. Unless I actually sign up for a class or a gym membership, and lay down my hard-earned money, I make all kinds of excuses not to exercise on my own. About the only thing I can depend on is walking the dog. And now that's it's winter, she's not interested in going more than a block from the house!<br /><br />I think it's a great idea to build exercise time into your writing schedule. Think of it as an investment in your career; you won't be able to write if your back is killing you and you have no energy.<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by.<br />JanaJana Richardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16624650840243322617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-4544484671738681762010-11-26T15:59:16.703-06:002010-11-26T15:59:16.703-06:00Hi Joanna,
As a healthcare professional and a moth...Hi Joanna,<br />As a healthcare professional and a mother of young kids, I'm sure you're moving all the time. What hit me about Regan's situation was how similar she and I are; we both write and we both work office jobs. Both require a lot of time sitting in front of a computer. Since I heard Regan's story, I've been trying to stand up when I talk on the phone and I make a conscious effort to get up and move around more often, even if it's just to go to the recycling box. I like your idea of having your favorite tunes playing when you're doing things around the house. Like Gail said, the exercise you choose has to be something you enjoy and that is fun for you or you won't stick with it long. It will soon start feeling like work.<br /><br />I'd love to guest on your blog Joanna! Thank you for the lovely offer. I'll be in touch.<br /><br />JanaJana Richardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16624650840243322617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-81842144179496951452010-11-26T15:49:57.529-06:002010-11-26T15:49:57.529-06:00Hi Gail,
I wish I liked swimming because it is suc...Hi Gail,<br />I wish I liked swimming because it is such great exercise. I don't mind in the summer so much but I hate being wet in the winter cold. And I'm not really happy about seeing myself in a bathing suit either :)<br /><br />You're so right about finding an exercise that you like. You're much more likely to stick to it if you enjoy it.<br /><br />Regan's gone through a tough time, but from what she told me, she's making a good recovery. She definitely wanted to spread the word to other writers not to take our health for granted.<br /><br />JanaJana Richardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16624650840243322617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-48708019110307685182010-11-26T15:41:54.381-06:002010-11-26T15:41:54.381-06:00Hi Janet,
I had no idea how "not good" t...Hi Janet,<br />I had no idea how "not good" too much sitting was either. The really scary thing is that Regan said she walked a couple of miles a day before she got sick. <br /><br />Wasn't that a nice review yesterday? And totally unexpected. Sometimes you wonder why you write. And then something like that happens and you get your answer.<br /><br />I'd love to guest blog on your blog! I've got to get the promotion in motion!<br /><br />Cheers,<br />JanaJana Richardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16624650840243322617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-15879683758929692072010-11-26T12:51:57.100-06:002010-11-26T12:51:57.100-06:00I think I'll go for a walk. A very long walk. ...I think I'll go for a walk. A very long walk. Than I'll do it again tomorrow!!!<br /><br />Great post, Jana!Karyn Goodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12586701849461714531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-3576583925763086292010-11-26T12:14:05.051-06:002010-11-26T12:14:05.051-06:00Great article Jana. A scary reminder of what being...Great article Jana. A scary reminder of what being sedentary in our writing careers can do to us. I have two kids and I homeschool them. I'm on the move a lot but I do try to get some actual exercise done everyday--even if it's just doing some stretches or maybe going for a swim or playing basketball with my boys.Cindy K. Greenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05744687227710149449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-25021666296201128512010-11-26T12:01:45.376-06:002010-11-26T12:01:45.376-06:00Nice reminder, Jana. I'm a fidgeter and am rar...Nice reminder, Jana. I'm a fidgeter and am rarely still even when writing. I also get up and move a lot, even if just to go look out a window on the opposite side of the house. I also walk around when I'm on the phone. My exercise plan needs to be kicked up a notch but I do exercise and I do a lot of stretching. Still, I have lower back issues. That could be a bit of a blessing, since it forces me to get up and move a lot. ;-)LK Hunsakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10706929624587891992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-50558147191482266932010-11-26T10:59:06.190-06:002010-11-26T10:59:06.190-06:00I do sit too much. Especially since I have so many...I do sit too much. Especially since I have so many herniated discs and bad stenosis. I try to move my legs a lot when I sit, I am a foot shaker, wonder if that helps. But, for the record, walk a lot and don't forget to drink a lot of water. Not just eat chocolate and drink cola! Happy authors are healthy authors. Great wake up call blog for us all!Mary Ricksenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12676306822821614446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-7718358853213029682010-11-26T10:19:36.700-06:002010-11-26T10:19:36.700-06:00butt-bound, tech-driven cracks me up! Great blog. ...butt-bound, tech-driven cracks me up! Great blog. I recommend picking up a copy of WRITER WELLNESS, A WRITER'S PATH TO HEALTH AND CREATIVITY by Joy Held available from Who Dares Wins Publishing www.whodareswinspublishing. It has a chapter called "Yoga for Writers" and other helpful tips for staying healthy and creativity in this "butt-bound, tech-driven" biz. LOL<br />Liz Arnold<br />MESSAGE TO LOVE<br />The Wild Rose PressAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-15802894691663156052010-11-26T09:29:58.135-06:002010-11-26T09:29:58.135-06:00Thanks for this informative post. I knew about DV...Thanks for this informative post. I knew about DVT and thought I allowed sufficient exercise to combat it, but having read this I'm rethinking my assumptons.<br />I hope Regan recovers fully, soon.Sherry Gloaghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03143365764333974956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-2892770426412405722010-11-26T09:24:58.551-06:002010-11-26T09:24:58.551-06:00Jana - Thank you for sharing this story. I'm &...Jana - Thank you for sharing this story. I'm "lucky" in that I work in a busy full-time job that has me hopping all day, but when I do get time to sit and write (usually the weekend), I rarely think about the need to move. I will now!Leah St. Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09370074339819366901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4209934041722758958.post-28509482777943456412010-11-26T09:15:23.682-06:002010-11-26T09:15:23.682-06:00I've been thinking about this a lot lately, to...I've been thinking about this a lot lately, too. Deadlines have loomed this past month, and I haven't gotten out to exercise as much as I used to. Normally I try to walk for an hour five times a week, plus I take a Qigong class (deep breathing and slow motion stretching)twice a week. But it's still not enough, given all the sitting I do. Thank you for the reminder! And the information.Liana Laverentzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17541637851147603199noreply@blogger.com