Comfort: The Forgotten Reason You Don't Want to Write

"Ergonomics" is a fancy word writers don't often use or think about. But if you're uncomfortable when you write, you won't want to write. If your wrists hurt, or your neck aches, or you knees tighten up, and you feel like you can't stand to sit at your computer for another second, you'll eventually begin associating this discomfort with writing. 

And then what?

The best way to prevent this is to avoid the discomfort in the first place. One of the problems I face as a "vertically challenged" writer with a "unique height situation" (who has to ask people at restaurants for help with raising the umbrella) is the fact that my feet don't touch the floor when I'm sitting at my desk. In my case, especially because I've had surgery on my knee, this can get extremely uncomfortable after only a few minutes of work. 

After years of propping my feet up on the edge of a trash can (who needs their Achilles tendon anyway?) I found a solution: this simple, inexpensive footrest by Everlasting Comfort (originally designed for use in airplanes, which are even MORE uncomfortable). 

This helps me keep my legs in a comfortable position, so I can write without getting distracted. I'm excited to try it on the airplane, too, whenever COVID lets us travel again!

If you're not "vertically challenged," but you've found yourself getting up from long writing sessions rubbing your neck, Everlasting Comfort can help with that too. Are you one of those writers that avoids lotion because it makes the keys sticky? How about a humidifier?

As working from home is becoming more and more common, new technology is being developed so that you don't have to be uncomfortable. And if you don't want your wallet to be uncomfortable, you can use the 20% discount code "lsmythbooks" on products from Everlasting Comfort.

If you can't avoid the discomfort, or if you're already stuck in the loop, here are a few things you can do to break the cycle. 

1. Don't write for too long at once. This is self-explanatory - your muscles need time to stretch. Thirty minutes is usually about the longest it's comfortable to sit still, so stand up and touch your toes every once in a while!

2. Focus your eyes somewhere other than your screen for 30 seconds every 15 minutes. Screens are known to cause eye strain. A simple break every once in a while can keep that headache at bay.

3. Write with good posture. As comfortable as it seems to write on your bed, or on the floor, or in the bathroom, it may not be the best for your physical health!

4. Go for walks. This is also a good chance to get outside and collect inspiration for your story.