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I'm deep into production on my new graphic novel, which require long hours and can be rough on the body. So, here's a thread on practical health and wellness advice for creatives!
First, the disclaimers: I'm not a health expert. My advice comes from my own experience, and from the experience and wisdom of my peers. Also, not everything will be helpful for everyone. Adapt as needed to your own circumstances.
This advice also isn't intended for getting thin/ripped. Who needs that extra pressure on top of everything else? This is more to keep you functioning and healthy while chipping away at big deadlines.
Okay, first: Get a good chair. Something comfortable, with adjustable height and good back support that won't slide out from under you. I know they can be expensive, but a good chair is a worthwhile investment if you can (plus you can write it off on your taxes as a work expense)
Drink water throughout the day. Get a big bottle and keep it by your desk. Make it fancy. Get one with a cool pattern, or decorate it with those vinyl stickers you picked up at cons (also write the bottle off on your taxes). Fill it with water. Not soda. Not iced coffee. Water.
Exercise every day for at least 1/2 hour, something that gets your heartrate up. Again, don't worry so much about weight loss. This is more for good circulation, which will help you dodge a lot of common freelancer health problems.
Ride a bike, go for a jog, do jumping jacks in your apartment, whatever. Regular exercise to raise heartrate and improve circulation, as well as drinking lots of water, can also help with chronic anxiety and depression, a common issue in this field.
Get 8 hours of sleep, and get it on a regular schedule. This is non-negotiable for me. If a deadlines looming and there's not enough time for sleep, that means the deadline's too tight and I ask for an extension.
It's okay if you can't fall asleep right away! Just lay there, eyes closed and comfy, thinking about your beloved OTP's from whatever anime you're currently watching. There's value in giving your eyes and body regular, scheduled rest.
Get up from your desk regularly, just to stretch and walk around. Get a snack (preferably something with protein, like almonds). I have a dog that needs regular long walks, so he's great for keeping me to this. I highly recommend pets as a way to force yourself to take breaks.
(I don't know if pets count as tax write-offs)
Always schedule weekly days off. Again, this is NON-NEGOTIABLE. If you can't manage this on a deadline, then the deadline is too tight and must be renegotiated. You are a human, and days of rest are human need and right.
Finally, sometimes you just need to take time off! Maybe you're burnt out. Maybe your wrists are giving you trouble. It's absolutely NECESSARY to the longevity of your career to be able to know yourself well enough to know when you need to take a period of time to recharge.
Maybe that period of time is a week. Maybe it's a month. Maybe it's longer. The world is crazy, life can be A Lot, and you're not a machine. Be kind to yourself, and you and your work will be better for it.
