I’ve done heavy manual work, and I’ve done heavy writing work. I’ve worked in a warehouse loading containers onto the back of a lorry, and I’ve worked behind a desk tapping keys on a computer. Without a doubt, I got more physical problems from being a writer.
Back pain, sciatica, wrist strain, stiffness, headaches, eye strain. These are the writer’s daily companions.
About a year back I got sick of feeling like crap. I decided if I was gonna do this whole writing thing for life, I’d better looking after myself.
My writing routine no longer consists of:
- Sit down
- Type
Now my writing routine is more like this:
- Stretch
- Sit down
- Type
- Stretch
- Repeat
I’ll also stretch first thing in the morning and throw a little stretch session in there before bed.
Night and day difference.
No longer do I feel like a crusty sock that some dorky teen’s just squirted his goo into.
I feel limber, lithe, and full of life.
Posture Exercises For Writers
Here are some of my favourite posture exercises for writers.
Do them, keep your body healthy, keep your mind healthy, and you’ll keep producing stories well into your old age.
Lying Spinal Twist
This is my favourite posture exercise for writers.
Holy shit this feels good.
You’re going for that relieving ‘click’ feeling in your spine.
This is a wonderful way to release the tension built up from sitting all day.
I like to do this in bed.
Seated Spinal Twist
This is my second favourite posture exercise for writers.
Anything that relieves built-up tension in the spine is perfect for writers.
Here’s a little tip I got from Wim Hof:
When you do this, inhale deeply, hold your inhalation, stretch, push as far as you can comfortably go, then breathe out.
You’ll find you can push even further with more flexibility on your out breath.
Feels good, man.
Clasped Hands Forward Fold
Another posture exercise sent down from the gods.
Go into a forward fold, then clasp your hands behind you and stick them up in the air.
You might feel a delightful crick between your shoulder blades.
This is beautiful for getting all loose after a long sitting and writing stint.
The Splits
I can’t do the splits yet. But thanks to this video, I’m getting pretty close.
Follow all the different exercises that lady takes you through.
You’ll get your hips and hamstrings opened up.
This little routine is perfect at the end of the day and will make you feel glorious.
Cobra
This is a beautiful posture exercise for correcting imbalances in the back.
I personally find this a powerful correctional exercise for relieving lower back pain.
It’s also great for the shoulders.
Dead Hang
You’ll need a pull-up bar or set of monkey bars for this one.
If you’re pressed for time, simply hanging from a bar can give you the biggest bang for your buck.
Everything clicks into alignment and you feel all fresh and revived when you’re done.
Posture Exercises For Writers
Obviously these posture exercises aren’t just for writers.
Anyone who sits at a desk most of the day can benefit from doing these regularly.
Try them out and let me know what you think.