<\/a>Summer creates a host of diversions and dangers to writers. To prepare you to guard against the pitfalls, I\u2019ve designed some summer health and safety tips for writers. Just because we are a solitary group (do oxymorons<\/a> distract you like they do me?) nonetheless we have to be careful in the summer just like anyone else.<\/p>\n

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Sunburn<\/strong><\/p>\n

While it\u2019s okay to get some vitamin D rays from the extra potent sun, don\u2019t overdo it. Go ahead and take the lap top or the notepad and pen outside, but stay out of the sun. Writers in the zone always lose track of time and trying to keep on a deadline while your burned skin is flaking away painfully is not my idea of summer fun. Research sun screens (look at the Blue Lizard<\/a> line of products) and enjoy the healthful benefits of the sun but don\u2019t stay out too long.<\/p>\n

Caffeine Overdose<\/strong><\/p>\n

While coffee is the writer\u2019s drink of choice, the caffeine is extra problematic in the warm months. It acts as a diuretic, that is, it increases the body\u2019s inclination to release fluids. In the summer this can inadvertently contribute to dehydration. Drink more alternative fluids in the summer such as those that replace electrolytes (think: what do they dump on the winning coach at football games?) Try iced coffee for the caffeine buzz but double up on the good, pure water for every glass of caffeinated beverage you inject just to be safe. Self-check your hydration level by pinching the skin on your forearm. If it snaps back into place quickly and does NOT remain pale, then you\u2019re doing okay. If the whiteness where you pinched yourself remains white, get some more fluids quickly.<\/p>\n

Eye Strain<\/strong><\/p>\n

With the extra daylight hours comes the desire to read more. That\u2019s good! Read more in places where other people can see you read. It helps keep reading on people\u2019s front burner to-do list. Summer reading lists are great but added to your regular writing workload could increase eye strain. Take regular breaks, meditate with an eye mask on (like the one you wear to sleep) or take a short power nap with a rice filled eye pillow over your eyes to relieve the tension in your eyes.<\/p>\n

Writers need extra care and attention in the summer. Please leave a comment about what do you do to avoid summer troubles and keep safe as a writer.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Meanwhile, remember to look for a digital or print copy of Writer Wellness, A Writer\u2019s Path to Health and Creativity <\/em>at Cool Gus Publishing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Have you subscribed to this Writer Wellness blog yet? Get email updates when a new post is added. Click \u201csubscribe\u201d and leave your email. That\u2019s it and thanks in advance!<\/p>\n

Be well, write well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joy E. Held<\/a><\/p>\n

joyeheld@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n

http:\/\/twitter.com\/Joy_E_Held<\/a><\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summer creates a host of diversions and dangers to writers. To prepare you to guard against the pitfalls, I\u2019ve designed some summer health and safety tips for writers. Just because we are a solitary group (do oxymorons distract you like they do me?) nonetheless we have to be careful in the summer just like anyone Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32,1],"tags":[83,124,141,172,206,221,242],"class_list":["post-605","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-tuesday-tickle","category-uncategorized","tag-cool-gus-publishing","tag-health-and-safety-tips","tag-joy-held","tag-meditation","tag-relaxation","tag-sunburn","tag-writer-wellness"],"yoast_head":"\n