I need help. Writing for a living is causing me to become chair shaped. Short of getting a new job, I’m not entirely sure how to tackle it anymore.
So far, I’ve tripled my steps and taken up walking.
I also had one cup of green tea yesterday in the hopes that I might start a new habit.
That’s about all I’ve done.
Snacking is getting out of hand. When I’m concentrating, I need something to chew on or fiddle with. When I’m actively writing, it’s easier to manage but when I’m doing an in depth edit or researching for some ghostwriting, the urge to nibble is overwhelming.
I’ve eaten through three pens this week alone. I don’t want to name how many snacks I’ve consumed.
So, fellow writers, please hit me up with some suggestions of things to nibble or fiddle with while working in such close proximity to the kitchen cupboards.
Chewing gum? Grapes?
… dare I say it … is it time for some HIIT…?
Emma's Writing Things 
18 responses to “Trying Not To Be Chair Shaped #10”
HIIT it Emma! If you’re time poor the shortest routine I’ve found is 2min,20sec/2min,20sec/2min,20sec/2min. Mild to Moderate pace for two minutes; flat out for 20 seconds. Total nine minutes! Preferably done on an exercise bike but trot/run or similar will work eg for flat-out: star-jumps, crunches, squats, push-ups etc with slow jog for two minutes.
Also stretch before breakfast and try to stand up for 10 shoulder rolls or whatever every thirty to forty-five minutes.
Can you stomach:
Almonds?
Oats/porridge?
Pumpkin/ Celery/Spinach soup?
The stick blender is your friend as liquidised foods stay in the stomach longer and increase the chance of the brain registering satiety.
Good luck,
DD
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing thank you for the tips! I had a great HIIT routine a couple of years ago and I felt great, I need to pull together my self-motivation and get back at it I think!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My first line incantation is ‘Something is always better than nothing’. It usually works and once started, I’m usually away. Your subconscious might fall for this…or you might find motivation under a different spell.
But more importantly, what might you enjoy?
LikeLike
I can relate so much!!!Wonderful article, Emma!
LikeLike
Hi, Emma. I’ve made exercise an important part of my writing routine. I’ve learned over the years that small changes make a difference over time. There is so much information out there on nutrition and exercise it can be overwhelming. It’s good to just concentrate on one change at a time. From what you have written it seems your brain has connected your sitting down to write with snacking. Maybe writing for shorter periods and having a light stretch or walk might help when the urges strike.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are absolutely right, it’s definitely become habitual and the key is breaking that cycle. Replacing the snacking with something else might be helpful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What helped me lose weight is I didn’t go on a diet. I changed the way I eat. When I started all my meals were cut in half or thirds but I eat what I had alwasy except for a few things. I starting shopping diffectntly, if’s it’s no there I can’t eat it. Mantaining control is the fist step. Maybe try one of the weight loss apps. Have a great day.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! I definitely could start cutting down my portion sizes that would help a great deal I’m sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I want to lose 20 more but without exercise, which burns the calories, I haven’t been able to get past 20 poundss. Little steps and you may want to keep a grateful journalwhere you can write how good it felt ti accomplish that small step. Over time you’ll see changes and if committed you can do it.
LikeLike
Moving regularly is needed but is so tricky once you get into that piece of writing isn’t it ?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really is, I have a limited time frame while the kids are at school so I have to maximise my working time by not shifting my butt when it’s work time. Maybe I need a standing desk 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Standing desk is such a good idea. Maybe swapped with a lazy seat every now and again
LikeLike
I can identify with this dilemma, too, Emma. I spend most of my time sitting, writing, reading, or even out shopping in my wheelchair. Therefore, I am 100% and, without a doubt, chair shaped. I also have the same problem picking at food while on my laptop. I’ve tried always keeping fruit in the house, sometimes picking at healthy snacks like pumpkin seeds or just a few plain nuts. A hot drink like coffee on the side also helps stop me from picking too much.
I wasn’t sure what HIIT meant, so I Googled it. Definitely out of the question for me, but from what your other readers say, it might be a good thing to try. Good luck with doing whatever works for you. Xx 😘
LikeLike
[…] Trying Not To Be Chair Shaped #10 […]
LikeLike
Felicitări
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Ernest Hemingway: Thoughts on the Writing Journey and commented:
“One cannot always tell what it is that keeps us shut in, confines us, seems to bury us, but still one feels certain barriers, certain gates, certain walls. is all this imagination, fantasy?”
https://craigsquotes.wordpress.com/category/andre-agassi/
https://craigsbooks.wordpress.com/2022/01/13/and-as-imagination-bodies-forth-the-forms-of-things-unknown-the-poets-pen/
https://craigsbooks.wordpress.com/2022/01/20/ernest-hemingway-quotes-goodreads-craigs-quotes/
Hi Emma
Thanks for the/another follow(s) and/or the ‘likes’
IF you want to go on a journey (destination unknown), you can follow me. Thanks and enjoy the trip.
happy travelling
“Sleepy-head” craig (here in “Sleepy Hollow”)
œI travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.
– Robert Louis Stevenson
http://www.craigsquotes.wordpress.com + my third book ‘Here, There and Everywhere’
“Do not go where the path may lead. Go where there is no path and leave a trail”
-Emerson
of confusion + CHAOS (at least in the œreal world and hopefully NOT cyberspace too)
“the going nowhere (fast) man”
“Information and Inspiration Distributer, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder *
* not bridges (thank goodness)!
Well my family and friends say I™m “safest” just writing and sharing
“Mr Do-little”
http://www.inspiringvideo.wordpress.com
http://www.craigsbooks.wordpress.com
PPS
Don’t worry about the world ending today…its already tomorrow in scenic and tranquil ‘little’ New Zealand
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have failed, father. I read an article, and very well written it was, too. But then I fell at the final hurdle because I did not know what HHT was. Everyone else seemed to know. Can you help me?
LikeLiked by 1 person
HIIT – High-Intensity Interval Training.
LikeLiked by 1 person