Friday, January 22, 2010

Work at Home Weight Gain

I have to confess that while building my writing business over the past two and a half years I have not been taking very good care of myself. I sit at a computer for several hours a day and have not engaged in an exercise routine in months. And I’m paying for it with some extra, “baggage.” Besides being unable to fit into my favorite jeans, I’m taking my health for granted, and I don’t think I’m alone.

I’ve noticed other writers confessing their own lack of exercise or healthy diet on blogs and forums. Add to that the sad fact that many freelance writers are without health coverage and problem reach another level of urgency.

The truth is that freelancing can lead many into a very sedentary lifestyle. You’re sitting in front of a computer for hours, you may miss regular meals and find yourself mindlessly snacking around the clock. You might switch things up every now and then and spend some time working at the local coffee house among the bagels and cream cheese-filled pastries. Before you know it there’s more of you to love.

We all know regular exercise can protect us from conditions like heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, non insulin-dependent diabetes, obesity, back pain and osteoporosis; what you may not know is that it can also help improve sleep, concentration and energy – three things most freelance writers could use a lot more of.

I’m not big on resolutions, but I am vowing to make more time for exercise this year. I want to start running again, so that’s the goal I’m working toward. I’m a vegetarian and already enjoy a diet filled with vegetables, fruit and whole grains, so tweeking it a bit to reduce my sugar intake and portion sizes should help me shed a few pounds by Spring.

Has anyone else found themselves battling work from home weight gain? How do you prioritize fitness in your life?

9 comments:

One Woman's Thoughts said...

All that and the aging process added to it. I think Americans seem to be getting heavier every year. I know I struggle with it. The key seems so simple . . . eat right, take in less calories than you expend and get regular exercise everyday. Ok Ok, now to carry it out is another discipline I need to improve on. best of luck in your endeavor!

Kimberly Ben said...

Yes, One Womans Thoughts, you are so right. Execution is the hard part for me - especially fitting exercise into my already jam packed days. But I MUST do something before this gets out of hand. Thanks for the encouraging words.

allena said...

When I set up my business, those first 1-2 years, I gained 30 lbs. Once my business was set, I took about 6 months to lose it and more. Sometimes I think everything in the world is about discipline. If you have the discipline to be a successful writer, you likely have the discipline to be healthy, too.

Kimberly Ben said...

I sure hope I can follow your example, Allena. I'm setting my alarm for a 5am workout right now!

Lori said...

My hand's up.

I walk/run at lunchtime. Lately, though, I've been camping out in front of the tv. It's getting ugly. But I try to balance that with some FitTV. Nothing motivates like the guilt of watching exercise instead of doing it. :)

Kimberly Ben said...

LOL - I hear you, Lori! That guilt is a real threat to a formally fit person's honor! That explains why I speed past those fitness infomercials with my remote. I KNOW I need to get up off my backside and move!

Allena said...

I also feel that weight gain in writers/entrepreneurs is a sign that you're putting too much into your business. I hate hate hate working past 3, but I notice that when I have to, well, those are the same weeks I'm not hitting the gym (I have some kind of class available to me every night of the week. That way I get in at least 4-5 workouts a week between social and meetings. The gym is the default.

So, set regular work hours, and set regular gym hours, and only deviate for appts--NOT "because i'm tired" "because somethings on tv"...

jenicoe2001 said...

Excellent blog, BTW! I can soooooo relate!! I set at the computer for hours slamming down Pepsi's! Ugh!! lol I have gained 10 lbs. since I have started freelance writing. I have only been writing online for a year, so can you imagine the spread I will have in a few years?! Wow! lol I need to work out! :O

Kimberly Ben said...

Thanks for stopping by, Aspiring freelance writer. It's so easy to sit in front of the computer all day. I'm making myself spend at least 45 minutes exercising a day. It's not easy to peel myself away from my computer chair, but I'm sure this summer I'll be so glad I did!

 
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