Pebblepup's Writing Den

We, as humans, need a certain amount of activity in our lives. Writing is a sedentary process. We don’t have to move much. It’s a good idea to set time aside some time to do some kind of activity every day. If you can’t manage every day, I understand a hundred fifty minutes of moderate activity a week is good enough. That breaks down to thirty minutes five times every seven days. That seems like a lot. If you find yourself pressed for time to write, you are also pressed for time for a workout. Finding the time to get in some activity is hard.

Moderate activity is performing some kind of activity carry on a conversation. This means you can dictate words to your phone. That’s a good way to get your activity in and your writing in.

You can also do research while walking or jogging. If you don’t feel comfortable dictating your writing while in a public place.

Good health leads to creativity. Keep that thought in mind. Your health has an effect on your writing. It can make it easier or harder to write. Anyone who has tried to write with a cold knows this. Keep yourself healthy and the writing will be easier.

That said, you need to have methods of incorporating activity into your writing life. If time is precious, dictation may be the only way you can go. Writing through dictation can be a good way to get the words to come.
I dictate to Microsoft Word when I’m in my car. I can mute the radio and talk to the phone. I don’t have to look at the phone when I do this so it’s good when I’m alone in my car traveling somewhere. I have time to write in my usual space, but I dictate in my car during errands when I need to. That’s a good use of time.

I could do the same when I go for a walk. I don’t, as I haven’t needed to, but your time constraints are not the same as mine, so you may find that an option. You don’t even need Microsoft office. You can dictate to a memo app on your phone.

My point here is that if you can write on your phone, and you are walking somewhere, you can do both. So get outside. Go for a walk. Do some research, or write a description of your walk. This will help you in the long run. You will be healthier and you will add to your writing.

Walking is a good form of exercise. Find a park and go for a walk. Try it in the gym on a treadmill. You can still write while getting healthy. Give it a try, you may like it.