~Writing Well Wednesday Tip~ Writing and alcohol seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly, but recent research shows that writers may want to think twice about that second glass of wine. I know pretty much anytime I go to a writing event—conference, gathering, writer’s group, etc.—there’s alcohol involved.Continue Reading
Self-care is a popular buzzword these days, but are you doing it right? Everybody’s talking about self-care as a way to improve health and well-being. Writers need to be especially conscious about it because the writing life can lead to health issues like back pain, weight gain, burnout, and depression.Continue Reading
~Writing Well Wednesday Tip~ If you’re in a room with a group of writers, you don’t have to go far to find one that’s stressed out. We have a lot of reasons to stress! Launching a book, reviewing edits or critiques, conducting a book signing, or waiting for word fromContinue Reading
Do you struggle with migraine headaches? I used to get them a lot. Now, only occasionally. Fortunately through my regular health research and writing, I discovered what was causing mine and was able to find treatments that work for me. (My main one is butterbur—you can read more about thatContinue Reading
~Writing Well Wednesday Tip~ How many stairs did you climb today? If your answer is “zero,” that’s bad news, and not just for your physical health. Turns out that climbing stairs—and performing other exercises that work those large muscle groups in your legs—is critical for brain health. In other words,Continue Reading
~Writing Well Wednesday Tip~ There are a number of health benefits to keeping a journal. Studies have found that a regular journaling practice can help reduce stress and anxiety, clarify your thoughts and feelings, improve mood and emotional well-being, and help increase healing from both physical and mental traumas. ManyContinue Reading
~Writing Well Wednesday Tip~ Getting out in nature is great for writers. It’s not only good for your health, but it helps replenish your creative mind, too. So if you’re heading out this summer, enjoy—just watch out for this. According to a recent report from the Center for Disease ControlContinue Reading
~Writing Well Wednesday Tip~ Would you like to increase your odds of living longer? According to a new study from Harvard University, you can do just that by adapting the following five healthy lifestyle habits: don’t smoke, eat a healthy diet, exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, maintainContinue Reading
~Writing Well Wednesday Tip~ Writers need to be sure they’re drinking water every day. Studies have found that even slight dehydration can lead to fatigue, mood swings, and headaches—things that can make mush of your writing time. Water can fight fatigue, ease stress, and clear brain fog. (Read more aboutContinue Reading
Are you looking for a caffeine-free energizer? It’s not always easy to fit writing into your busy life. Sometimes, you find yourself staring at the page with your eyelids drooping or your mind blanking out. What do you do when that happens? You may use caffeinated beverages like coffee orContinue Reading
How clean is your writing computer? I don’t know about you, but I use my laptop a LOT. I have a desktop computer, but I reserve that for my freelance (business) writing. My laptop holds my novels, non-fiction books, blogs, and more, and it goes with me almost everywhere. IContinue Reading
~Writing Well Wednesday Tip~ If you’re having trouble falling asleep, the last thing you want to do is pop a sleeping pill. A 2012 study discovered that those taking these pills had a higher risk of death. More specifically, researchers compared over 10,000 people receiving prescription sleep aids with aboutContinue Reading