Why Writers Should Stretch: Simple Ways to Reduce Pain and Stay Healthy at Your Desk

From Edie: Sitting for hours can take a toll on writers’ bodies. Learn why writers should stretch and discover simple ways to reduce pain and stay healthy at your desk.

Why Writers Should Stretch: Simple Ways to Reduce Pain and Stay Healthy at Your Desk

by Sally Cressman @SCressman

While writers might not fly fighter jets, run marathons, or work on a ranch (okay, maybe in our stories), we should incorporate some physical activity, especially stretching. 

Stretching can benefit our bodies, minds, and muscles as we peck away at those keys, hunched over a computer for hours. It’s a simple habit that can help you feel better and ache less.

The Benefits of Stretching

Because writers spend so much time sitting, muscles, especially in the back, neck, wrists, and hands, can stiffen. Stretching exercises can curb some of these aches and pains. Simple stretches can:

• Alleviate neck and back pain 
• Reduce stiffness in hands and wrists from keyboard use
• Increase flexibility and range of motion in muscles and joints
• Improve blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout the body

And here’s the best part: Stretching is free. You don’t need equipment. You don’t need a gym membership. You can stretch at home.

What Happens When We Don’t Stretch

Even though I run and exercise, last year I was sidelined with an inflamed iliotibial band (IT) band. When the physical therapist asked what I did for a living, I told him I was a writer. He informed me that sitting for too long can cause physical problems. When muscles are unused, they shorten and tighten, making us prone to strains, sprains, and pain (like my IT band). 

Stretching increases blood flow and delivers vital nutrients and oxygen to our tissues and joints. When blood flow decreases, joints lose their mobility, and body parts start to ache. 

No wonder our bodies complain after sitting for so long.

How to Make Stretching Part of Your Writing Life

Before stretching, it’s important to warm up your muscles. When I attended a week-long writers conference at a publishing company, one editor added body-and-brain breaks every 60-90 minutes. Sometimes the break was as simple as walking to a restroom or grabbing a snack. Another time, we “skated.” The editor handed us laminated sheets of paper, and we slid them around the carpeted floor with our feet. Silly but fun! 

You can do the same at home. Set an alarm to remind yourself to move. When the alarm goes off, pretend to swim, march in place, or do a round of “skating” across the floor. 

Pay attention to your body to determine which muscles are tight. Look up exercises that target the specific muscle group and stretch. When you’re finished warming up and have stretched, go back to your writing. At the next break, work on another muscle group. 

You can sneak stretching into your daily routines:

• While your coffee brews, take a moment to stretch your fingers and wrists. 
• While food heats in the microwave, stretch your neck and shoulders. 
• While waiting for your dog to do his business outside, stretch your back and arms. 
• Anytime you find yourself waiting or needing a break, instead of grabbing a snack—stretch! 

Adding just ten minutes of stretching twice a week makes for a healthier lifestyle. Your writing may improve, but most importantly, your body will thank you.

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Why Writers Should Stretch: Simple Ways to Reduce Pain and Stay Healthy at Your Desk from @SCressman on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Sally Cressman is the award-winning author of The Dance of Easter. She has written children’s Sunday school curricula, devotions, and articles. Her publishing credits include LifeWay, Focus on the Family, Moms in Prayer, and Nashville Christian Family magazine. When she’s not writing, Sally enjoys running in her neighborhood, sipping green tea in the morning, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers in the fall. Currently, she and her husband find an easy rhythm south of Nashville, Tennessee, near her grandson. She would love to connect with you at www.sallycressman.com or on Instagram.