A Writer’s Health Dilemma
By Tim Suddeth
I am learning, as I start this journey of a writer, that I have to careful to keep my life in balance. This became real to me earlier this year when I began to see higher numbers on the scale. Being in my fifties, I didn’t want my weight to keep increasing and I had to do something to get it back under control.
But here’s the problem for a writer. What’s the most important thing we can do for our health? Exercise, get up and get moving.
And as a writer, what are the two things I’m suppose to do the most?
- Reading, otherwise known as cute hiney in recliner, and
- Writing, or butt in chair.
Neither one’s conducive to good health.
And don’t tell me to try to do them standing. My brain doesn’t work like that.
So to help me make some lifestyle adjustments, I bought Jenna Wolfe’s Thinner In 30: Small Changes That Add Up To Big Weight Loss In Just 30 Days. I wasn’t concerned about the 30 days as much as I wanted her tips to change my habits.
A few of the tips from the book that I’m doing:
- Walk 10,000 steps a day. I bought a Fitbit for this and it’s going well. It really pushes me. A lot of evenings I’m walking in place to hit my number. It’s fun to go to bed knowing I achieved my goal.
- Two to three days of exercise a week. This is in addition to the walking.
- 20 sips of water when you wake up. I have to admit, I’m getting slack on this.
- Start a food diary. It makes you question that extra snack when you have to write it down.
- Rethink what you drink. I have coffee in the morning and water the rest of the time. No sodas except for special occasions.
For me, it’s a struggle to find time to get in my ten thousand steps. Here are my tips if you have a similar goal:
- Get a good portion of your steps in the morning. I try to have four thousand by noon.
- Take a break in your reading or writing or get up from your desk job every so often. I try to get up for ten minutes each hour and move around. You can make an exception if you’re in a flow. But don’t let this become an excuse to procrastinate or surf the net.
- Walk your dog. It really adds to your numbers. Besides, can you possibly be a writer without a dog? Dog walking is great for plotting and working out your characters. And there’s nothing like watching for poo to help you iron out a scene.
- And your cat. Well, don’t walk it. But enjoy it purring on your chest and feel your heart rate go down.
- And sometimes, just chill. This is for you, you’re in charge. No competition unless you want it. You’re doing the walking for your heart, don’t get stressed about it.
So where am I now? I’m down ten pounds and staying steady. We’ll see what happens when Halloween comes. But then, I’ll adjust as necessary. After all, your health isn’t a thirty day sprint, it’s a marathon. With a divine celebration at the end.
Bio: Tim Suddeth attended Clemson University and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He’s working on his third manuscript and looks forward to seeing his name on a cover. He’s been married over twenty years and has a happy 18-year-old son with autism. You can reach him at or
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And who won Susan Baganz’s book, Feta & Freeways?
The winner is . . .
Glenda Mills!
Congratulations, Glenda! Simply contact me with your mailing address and Susan will send the book soon after it releases September 16.
And for those who didn’t win, here’s your direct Amazon link to Feta & Freeways.
I pray God’s blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,
Vonda
