After a particularly trying January allergy season, which induced vertigo attacks the likes of which I’ve never experienced before, I’m finally feeling back to normal. Both in body and mind.
For a writer– at least especially for me– keeping one’s body healthy and active is a crucial element of maintaining creative energy. Let’s face it, the life of a writer can be very sedentary if you let it. Little more than sitting and typing is required, after all. On top of that, there is the tendency for many writers to consume pure junk on a regular basis.
Several years ago, I was on a very unhealthy path. My weight was over 215– not that I regularly got on a scale at the time. On top of that, I had a job where I organized academic seminars, which meant I had donuts in my office on a very regular basis. And, to be honest, back then, I wasn’t writing. Oh, had projects I was working on, if by “working” you mean opening up the file and staring at them blankly. But progress simply wasn’t happening.
So then I got my act together, physically and mentally. I’ve dropped my weight down to the 180s, and I won’t lie, it’s a struggle to keep it there, but I keep up the good fight. I’m cut out the junk food: processed food has been right out for years. I eat mostly fresh, homemade foods. Significantly less red meat. Less dairy. And much more exercise.
And since then, my writing has jumped to the next level. Three books finished and shopping, and much more planned beyond the ones that I’m currently working on.
Are these things connected? I think so. I know my mental energy, my creative energy have drastically increased by being more physically active. On top of that I’ve got a lot of things planned. If I’m going to write everything I’ve got outlined, I’m going to need time. So I don’t want to take any chances with not being here to get it done.