Now that we are approaching the end of 2010, it will soon be time for our resolutions (or now time for pre-resolutions, as the case may be).
And as you cast your eye toward self-improvement, might I suggest one of the important fundamentals to the healthy and productive writer: exercise.
Not only because writing is a solitary pursuit, that writers sometime need the occasional mood-lift while pondering the depths of the human condition, and because we want to keep writing as long as Louis Auchincloss.
No. Not just those reasons.
Do it for the creativity boost!
I can’t quantify this. I don’t know if it’s been proven by science (Livia? UPDATE: see her comment for the science).I don’t know if it’s the endorphins talking. All I know is that when I’m stuck on a plot challenge or can’t think of where things go next, I exercise. And it’s amazing how it unlocks the brain.
And even from a macro sense, I find myself more productive and happier during weeks where I exercise. The ideas and words just tend to flow better.
Am I alone on this? Does exercise help your creativity?
Photo by Gruban via Creative Commons
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Yes! Absolutely! I've been a runner for twenty-some years, and when I'm not pregnant (I am), I am out there, rain or shine. These days, I still walk. Not only does it help with creativity, but it is great for overall mental health!
As someone with multiple physical disabilities, it's impossible for me to work out like real humans (I'm a toy human, or more probably, a Muppet. I'd snap in half.) but I do find that physically doing something else- painting, for example, playing a musical instrument or believe it or not, taking a shower seems to help get my mind un-stuck when I'm trying to write.
I'd love to hear what other people find helpful who also can't go for a jog when they need to clear their head! Or even a drive. Wow, I miss driving…
Happy Monday, Jedi Master!
~bru
Does exercise help your creativity?
Absolutely, almost always, usually in surprising ways.
Yes, absolutely! Not to mention fighting off the creativity-crazies that happen when you're deep into a plot turn.
'fo shizzle it does! Just read "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" by Haruki Murakami–running helped me get through the first draft of my novel. The two are linked in my brain. Writing goes better when I run.
I'm a grumpy old man. The most exercise I get is rolling out of bed and snagging a cup of coffee. Would more exercise improve my creativity? Probably, but why take the chance?
Exercise sometimes lets my brain have the space (and blood flow) to work stuff out. I've solved more than one serious story issue while doing something invigorating but mindless.
Doubly yes.
Exercise (running or whatever) is a great stress release that keeps you in a good frame of mind for life in general (including writing).
But I also use my long runs as very productive meditative time, where I can plan things like how to structure and article, or go into my characters' heads or figure out what might happen to them.
Agreed! I like to run without headphones because it simultaneously clears my mind and allows for creative juices to flow. If anything, it gets my legs moving so they're less likely to fall asleep or get blood clots from sitting down all day!
I do yoga after a morning of writing. Helps to stretch the muscles out after sitting for so long. Bellydancing is good too. Helps to burn off the calories of the crap I eat while I'm writing. 😀
Absolutely agree, even if I did just eat a donut. A nice three to five mile run clears my head every time.
When I left Fort Knox, I was the fittest I had ever been in my life. I also inexplicably lost half my vocabulary. Words I had known and used for years tripped me up.
Exercise actually interferes with my thought processes and creativity. The more still I am, the more creative I am.
Yes! I exercise almost every day, doing either biking or resistance training. It releases tension and I find that being relaxed helps with thinking/writing.
I better do this more often. Right now I'm in rutsville and could use a boost out.
Sticking my toddler in the stroller for a run or even a walk totally helps boost my creativity. I don't know if it's being outside with the fresh air and all…or just that my toddler is strapped down and occupied. It is seriously my best time to think. I don't listen to music or anything so I can brainstorm without distraction.
Absolutely! When I run into a plot problem, I lift weights, the heavier the better. And I find cardio is great for letting new ideas drift into my head.
I can't exercise much as I used to be able to because of certain health problems, but I find that any "mindless" task helps. Just window shopping at the mall, walking slowly around, cooking, baking, or gardening, helps. Because it gets you to focus on one thing and one thing only.
Nathan, don't forget the reason nobody likes to admit: EXERCISE MAKES YOU LOOK BETTER.
People who like the way they look make happier, more productive writers (or construction workers or doctors or rocket scientists). People who aren't fat think better, in part because they're not battling self-esteem issues every word of the way. The fit body also channels energy to the brain for good writing, no need to waste that energy on fat-support. And people who look fabulous gain a whole lot of confidence for the ego-pummeling business of publishing, about which we're always wringing our hands. (Use those hands to do some dumbbell curls instead.)
So don't underestimate the aesthetic angle, even though it's generally not cool to talk about it. I actually believe the chief motivator toward exercise is the appearance boost for most of us. And how grand that we end up healthier, too. 🙂
Yes, indeed.
I lift weights for my main exercise. I like to watch mindless TV (e.g., recorded made-for-SyFy Channel Saturday night bad movies), so I don't ponder plot problems while working out. But the wonderful effect on my mood and mental clarity for hours afterwards is great for my writing sessions.
Oh, I suppose it's great for my regular, paid work sessions, too, but, gee, who cares about that?
Maybe I should try this exercise thing. I usually go for caffeine and sugar for a boost.
Actually, I have seen some reports on exercise and Alzheimer's and how exercise gets blood flowing to the brain, so I think that's a good thing, too.