Passive Tense Isn’t Good for Writing or our Bodies

By DiAnn Mills

 

Writing is not a physically engaging activity. We sit in our chairs exercising our fingers over the keyboard while the rest of our body slips 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 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 three to 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 Prevention, the writer offers 12 benefits to walking: #5 states walking increases brain power and #9 states walking increases creativity. I encourage you to read all 12 for the maximum benefits of walking. And if you’re hesitant to start, enlist a friend to join you physically or virtually.

 

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?

 

(Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net, tiniroma, and nalinratphi.) 

 

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Diet and exercise create solid brain function that results in incredible writing. via@Diannmills (Click to tweet.)

 

 

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller and 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.

 

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Retreats: Marketing, Speakers, Nonfiction and Novelist with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion for helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

 

Connect with DiAnn here: www.diannmills.com