Leading a healthy lifestyle is an essential thing for me. When I’m healthy, not only do I look better in my slim jeans, but I also write better, think better, sleep better, and feel better about myself. Last year, I started an exercise regime which consisted of me working out at least three times a week. Recently, however, I have deviated from the norm and, with swimsuit season approaching, I feel awful about it.
Ever since I started writing my novel, I no longer had much time to do anything else. My mornings revolved around writing, noons and afternoons around studying, I edited in evenings, and at nights, well, I slept. I know that the old I don’t have time excuse is invalid. However, I will say that I was unable to manage my time in such a way as to fit exercising into my daily, or three-times weekly, routine.
I still exercise; I haven’t let myself go completely. However, with the long hours sitting on a chair and typing, staying active has become more important than ever for me to keep my body, and head, in a wholesome state.
To tell you the truth, my work out schedule isn’t the only thing that was affected during the time I was writing my novel. I had two novel-writing attempts before, one of which I quit on near the end while the other didn’t even make it to the middle. I learned a lot from my experiences, and am learning every day. So when I started writing a novel for the third time, I wanted it to be a charm. I put enormous pressure on myself to finish this story, regardless of how tired I was or what it would take from me. Something was going to give. However, I’m glad that something was my waistline instead of my novel.
I’m sure as I embark on writing other novels that I will find it easier to manage my time, as finishing a novel will no longer be a ghost looming over my shoulder. For the time being, I started to get back on track, and went for walk this morning.
How does writing affect your daily routine?
Words of Margaux 
I’m currently trying to solve this, too. I have two part-time jobs, both sedentary, and poetry, which also keeps me sitting in front of a screen. Sure, I have time left over, but exercise is not what I want to do with it (though I know I should).
It changes routine because writing is a unique activity. Nobody said it was easy. To get a novel done, screw exercise, drink if you have to, mope and be disagreeable. But get a draft out of yourself.
Diet and exercise are both important. I find I “thicken out” both physically and mentally if I eat starches.
Writing is my day, my night, my every thought. I will forget what movie I’m watching if I step out of the room – I seriously won’t know what it is – I’ve followed complete strangers in a crowded store thinking I was tagging along with my husband. I fade out whenever and wherever I can. I live in another world completely.
I’m writing a sci-fi series. Two books done and published, three to go with extras after that. I will write until the day I die. It’s my life.
It doesnt. Its like brushing my teeth. Part of the daily routine.
I understand completely. Trying to find time to fit writing, running and family into the mix while commuting to a full-time J.O.B. is difficult and often leads to disappointment. I hope you keep writing.
I am working on a novel which is sociologists call longitudinal in nature. Every year for a few months for 10 years maybe, and see the evolution of characters over the timeline. When I write in those months, I have the exact same problems. Plus, I stop talking ( I mean zero ) in that phase so there is this urge to release. Joined this local gym with some really boring people in there- it really helped 🙂
Back pain gets in the way of writing, so I do yoga and walk everyday. That really does help.
Writing cuts into my sleep…basically, writing and sleep are an either/or things these days…
Blogging – exercises my fingers. Hey, it counts!
Sometimes I feel like writing as well…and sometimes just going away to a beautiful unknown place…enjoy life….but I agree…whatever the schedule it is important to look after ourselves…workout to keep one fit is important