Stretches and Movement Breaks for Writers

As writers, we’re often tied to our desks, focused on our creative worlds. While it may seem like sitting requires little effort, it demands a lot from our bodies. Here’s why it’s crucial to train ourselves to sit well and how you can integrate effective stretches into your desk time.

Sitting properly isn't just about comfort; it's about maintaining our health while we engage in sedentary activities or writing. Investing in a good chair or a sit-to-stand desk can also help immensely.

I make it a point to stand up and move, especially when tackling lengthy writing sessions. This might mean I get up and watch a show and walk on the treadmill, review a dance I've recently learned, or do some yoga guided by Karin Dimitrovova.

Following tips from wellness experts like Karin Dimitrovova, I’ve incorporated several effective stretches that keep stiffness at bay:

• Neck Circles: These are great for relieving neck tension and refreshing your mind.

• Shoulder Circles: Big and slow shoulder circles help break up tension and avoid getting hunched shoulders.

• Seated Twist: This can be done sitting or at the desk. I keep my hips forward and twist to look behind me. This helps stretch out the spine.

• Modified cat cow: Sitting with my hands on my knees I push my chest out and look the ceiling and then curve my spine and look at my stomach.

• Eagle Pose (arms only): This is my favorite to stretch out my shoulders. I wrap one arm under the other and clasp my hands. If your hands can't touch, you can use a towel to hold them together. Then I lift my wrapped, connected arms up and down to get a deep stretch through my shoulders. Make sure to wrap both arms on the bottom.

I find that I can write longer and think clearer when I give myself regular stretch breaks. I highly recommend checking out Beyond Flexibility by Karin Dimitrovova. I'm not paid for this recommendation; my whole family has used this program for years.

How do you keep yourself limber and focused during your writing sessions? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below. Let’s help each other stay active and productive in our writing journeys and keep on shivering!