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| Aug 2010 |
I'm not sure if you've seen it, but Linda Howard briefly discussed the trouble she's been having with her work due to her health issues on Facebook. I'm not surprised that less than good health can affect one's creativity and productivity and everything else so much. It doesn't even have to be something hormonal. Even something as non-specific as chronic pain can bring on numerous problems and kill productivity.
When little aches here and there let themselves known, I used to just forge ahead until my body went on a massive strike. It did for two months soon after I signed with Agent. It did again last year. After two devastating battles that lasted five months total, I've decided I cannot win against my own body. So these days I try to be kinder to myself, even though it's very hard, especially because I never used to have joint pain. My first instinct is usually to flog myself for being lazy or whiny or something.
So what do I do when I feel achy or fatigued? I allow myself a very short nap and half an hour of stretching. On top of that, I see my physical therapist at least twice a week to keep my joints in working shape. And I eat fresh fruit and vegetables every day. I should exercise more regularly as well, but one thing at a time.
What do you do to keep yourself healthy?
August 17th, 2010 at 12:33 am · Link
Yeah, I try to be kind to myself and work at my own steady pace, which is probably slower than many authors. I also find that regular *light* exercise perks me up. I use an exercise bike, recommended by my doc for keeping my arthriticky hips from seizing up. Can also watch DVDs or listen to music at same time, which also is a mood lifter that sharpens the brain.
I attempt to eat a goodish diet, with fruit and cereals etc, although must admit I do succumb to naughty stuff too. ;)
August 17th, 2010 at 2:21 am · Link
Ref: …I never used to have joint pain.
:) Welcome to the club.
Like you, I just pushed myself until I couldn’t do it anymore.
It was terrible to face the fact that I wasn’t invincible.
The damage is done and I’ll probably never get back the body I once had, so now it’s regular visits to the chiropractor and the fore knowledge that there will be some surgeries in my future.
The trick is not to let it get so far. My only recourse now is not to let it get worse.
August 17th, 2010 at 11:01 am · Link
Unfortunately, I have to ignore my aches and pain when I am at work. As I pay great attention to my shift in mood and temperment.
I can’t reflex irritation when I am addressing or counseling students. Therefore, verbal and body language must be objective and strickly textbook.
However, I don’t eat junk food and feed on sodas because they are very bad for the body. But I do yoga at home most mornings before work. And lots of walking when on campus to keep the stress down to a minimum.
August 29th, 2010 at 3:58 am · Link
Oh…so depressing to hear that many of you have aches & pain… :(
Portia — naughty food…mmmm lol. Like chocolate? ;)
Maria — I was so sad when I realized that I could no longer treat my body the way I used to in the 20s.
Renmiu — You’re better than me. I can’t give up Coke Zero… :(