Passive Tense isn’t Good for Writing or Our Bodies

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Writing is not a physically engaging activity. We sit in our chairs exercising our fingers over the keyboard while the rest of our bodies slip into passive mode. 

While writers are concentrating on their manuscripts, they too often forget about taking care of themselves. When we choose high-sugar content snacks and beverages instead of good nutrition, our bodies suffer. The result is unhealthy bodies that suffer from stress, insomnia, and susceptibility to diseases. Energy is depleted. Unwanted pounds creep up. Over time, we can guess what that can do for the quality of our writing. 

The benefits of maintaining good health are always on the plus side.

Staying in shape physically and mentally isn’t just an exercise routine. We need to eat healthy too. The combination of sound nutrition and exercise lengthens our lives. We feel great. We relieve stress. And being more mentally alert means our writing is more polished.

Research tells us that when we don’t exercise our bodies, our bodies take a nosedive. Harvard Health states exercise charges the brain.  When our brain receives an increase in blood flow, look out world. New brain cells spin into action. Imagine what that does to our manuscripts.

Experts claim aerobic exercise improves our brain functions, which means we learn more. We stay fit and are more able to fight off illnesses.

Experts also say resistance training helps our memories. It’s also a huge defense against weakening bones.

I start the day with exercise. Lifting weights and propping my laptop onto the treadmill is a win-win situation. In approximately five miles, I’m able to churn out my best writing of the day while keeping my body in shape. When we go to all that trouble, eating properly becomes a habit. Combine an exercise routine with eating nutritionally and we have another win-win situation.

In a recent article from Time Health Newsletter, the following statement confirmed my commitment to a daily walking routine. “…American Physiological Society’s researchers from New Mexico Highlands University found that when people walk, the pressure of making impact with the ground sends waves through the arteries, which increase blood flow to the brain (also called cerebral blood flow). Getting enough blood to the brain is important for healthy brain function, since blood flow brings the brain oxygen and nutrients.”

Some writers have physical challenges that limit movement. Here are two sites that offer solutions.

1.       10 Chair Exercises for Seniors

2.       How to Exercise if You Have Limited Mobility

Your method of maintaining sound health may not be like mine, but the important factor is to weave diet and exercise for solid brain function that results in incredible writing.

How do you keep yourself and your writing at the top of your game?

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DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. 

She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson. Connect here: DiAnnMills.com