Wattmag Issue #13

Writing and Our Physical Health

Believe it or not, Writing is a strenuous activity, and just like all such activities, it can take a toll of on our body and physical health. But you might ask, what's so strenuous about writing? You just sit at your computer and write the words that come to you. What's so hard about that?

Well, have you ever stopped to wonder about all the body parts exerted when you write? Let's start with the most obvious––eye strain. Concentrating on a computer screen for long periods can affect our vision, especially if we do this on a daily basis. Then there's back pain and neck strain––all caused from 'just sitting at your computer and writing'.

And that's just what it does to your body. How about what you do to your body when writing? I don't know about you but I like food. A lot. And even though I try my best not to indulge in unhealthy snacks the temptation is always there, especially when I write for long hours. I'd prefer to eat a bag of potato chips than a bowl of carrot sticks, and I don't think I'm alone in this. At least I hope not!

Many of us can't write all the time, so to make time for it we usually have to sacrifice something we'd usually do in that period. Things like exercise take second place and sometimes no place at all.

So think about? You're sitting in a sedentary position for long periods, eating anything in sight and not exercising. What's the worst that could happen?

I'll let you answer that.

However, the scenario I mentioned above doesn't always apply to writing. There are many things that could cause you to stay on your computer a long time, sometimes all day. Like binge watching YouTube videos or cat gifs or just being on good old social media. Time can pass by so quickly and then you realize you've literally spent the whole day doing absolutely nothing productive. I know that happens to me. All the time.

So hypocrite much?

Eh, maybe so. Slowly but surely, though, I personally am trying to pry myself away from my electronics (no easy feat) and stay as much as I possibly can from the cyber world because trust me, it's so easy to lose touch with the real world.

It can get very addicting. Like seriously, there should be a Electronics Anonymous.

Besides, it wasn't all that long ago that kids and adults would sit outside and just enjoy the cool air. People still do that, the difference being that now there's usually a phone or tablet in their hands.

For crying out loud, it's Summer, (at least in most parts of the world), so take advantage. Get out in the sun, try an early morning jog on the beach, and if you don't want to take a jog, take a walk, stroll around your neighborhood, buy some freshly-squeezed lemon juice from that little girl's lemonade stand across the street.

Have you tried beach volleyball yet?! I did once, got hit the face with a beach ball but at least I tried, right? Black eye or not, it's all about making effort and effort does eventually pay off.

Get out and do something you've never done before or something you haven't done in a long time. Whatever you do this summer, have fun and most importantly, stay safe. Be adventurous and take a hike!