I had a pretty unproductive month in April.  After getting off to a flying start and loading up my schedule with new clients, new projects and lots and LOTS of work,  I promptly caught the bug that was going around and ended up ill for two weeks.  Only to recover for a few days and then end up in bed again with back spasms.  The silver lining to this (I always try to find one) is that it finally taught me that I need to respect my body.  I'm not talking "my body is a temple and I only eat things that have been gifted to me by mother earth once they have completed their natural life cycle" nor even "wake up at 6.30am to go for a run, or to do yoga on the beach as the sun rises", just a renewed effort to acknowledge that I can only function well as a writer if my body and mind are healthy and energized.

So if stress, overwork, or other issues are causing you to crash, here are some of my tips:

Drink Water

If you have ever actually tried to increase your water to the levels recommended by dietitians then you probably know that better hydration really does help with things like energy levels and concentration.  Your brain consists of roughly 70% water, so it makes sense that sipping away while you work is a great way to fuel the little grey cells.  Water also helps to flush out toxins that can bog down our immune systems.

Move About

I try not to be too much of a hypocrite, so I won't phrase that as "Exercise!"  Although I am well aware of the huge improvements I could see to my health and body if I made the effort to use my gym membership for something other than floating in the jacuzzi once a week, the closest I get to actual exercise is a brisk daily stroll with my dog.  If you are at your desk for long periods of time though, it is vital to get up and move around to keep your blood flowing.  Pilates or Yoga can also help to improve your muscle tone and keep core muscles strong - great for avoiding back and neck problems usually associated with desk jobs.

Take Breaks

Do you schedule your coffee breaks?  Or even your lunchbreaks?  You should!  We all need to walk away from our work for a few minutes in order to revitalize, bring down our stress levels and get a fresh perspective.  I find breaks are often productive in their own way, as I tend to brainstorm better when I am free to let my mind wander.

How do you keep your body and mind in good condition to stay healthy?