Be Healthy and Happy While Writing

I don't care what anyone says, writing a book is hard work. People who have never attempted to write a book will tell you, "All you're doing is sitting at a computer typing. How hard can that be?" A dedicated writer, someone who loves what they are doing, will put in more hours writing and sitting at that computer, then the person with a normal 9 to 5 job. They will wake up at 3 in the morning and have to run in to their computer because they just came up with the perfect line or the happily ever after ending that they have been struggling with.
 But writing is hard on your body and your relationships. Yes, it is just so much more comfortable sitting at the computer in your pajamas or boxers. Or you haven't shaved in a week (If your a guy), or bothered with your hair or makeup (If you're a woman). Who cares, right? It's not like anyone's going to see you.Yes there are times we are up at 6 a.m. we grab our coffee and turn on our computer and for the next six hours we don't move. We haven't been out of the house in 3 days and the only reason we went out then was to pick up more coffee.  But you should care. You need to take the time to get up and stretch, call a friend you haven't talked to in months, go out and get some sunshine and fresh air. Your body will thank you and your mind will be much clearer, letting your ideas come more easily.
Yes, I did get up at 6 a.m. this morning, and have been up for 4 hours now, but instead of turning on my little laptop that holds my creation, I stretched, did leg lifts, deep knee bends, and squats. Then I gave myself a facial. I don't want to do a book signing looking like a 90 year old lady when I am only in my early fifties. From there I washed my hair, ate a banana to keep my potassium up and made me a very healthy smoothie with soy milk, non fat yogurt, honey, and some wheat germ! I've also taken some time the past few days to catch up with family. But alas, my sweet little laptop has been screaming at me for the past 4 hours saying, "What are you doing? You are supposed to be over here pounding on my keyboard" or in my case hunting and pecking with my 2 fingers. I am almost to my 50,000 mark and am very happy with what I've accomplished so far, so it's time to hit the keyboard and get to work! Have a Happy and Healthy writing day! And to coin a phrase remember to, "Stop and Smell the Roses.