Being a writer or artist in today’s digital age is easier than it’s ever been. There are so many various ways to get your ideas on paper and the computer screen that it can be overwhelming. From the addition of the artist’s tablet to the many different programs to help both artists and writers get their creative juices flowing, it’s undoubtedly a fantastic time to unleash your inner passions.
That said, most people who try for a career both in art and literature often get hounded by the silent killer. Carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain injuries are a constant risk for those who write or draw for a living, and the worst part is that it can be easy to neglect. Such is the reason why there are plenty of products geared toward therapy. They ensure that your hands can keep doing what you want them to do for years and years to come, such as the therapy ball. It sounds like a simple item, but there’s much more to it, as it’s a mix between traditional therapy methods and current trends such as gaming and general media entertainment.
Considering that it takes a very long time for repetitive strain injuries to set in, most people get the idea that what they’re doing is okay. Writers continue to type away, and artists continue to pursue their favorite styles. However, once things start to ache in a way that they never did before, it can be extremely challenging to get things back to the way they were. Sometimes, surgery is the only path to helping an artist or writer with repetitive strain injuries. The preventative route is the best way to help avoid such a scenario. Here are some tips to help ensure that you can keep going without the risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) as a career writer or artist.
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How to Ease Already Aching Hands
If you find that you might already be suffering from some RSIs, there are (thankfully) a few ways you can ease yourself back into the game. First and foremost, rest is paramount. There’s little you can do about it — it will take some time to heal your hands, but the best thing to do is rest it as much as possible.
There are also quite a few wellness products you can use to help alleviate the situation. For example, the aforementioned therapy ball is quite a handy little thing that allows those suffering from repetitive strain injuries to ease back into their careers. It also makes the process for recovery quite a bit more fun by providing little games you can play while using the therapy ball. It’s such a good product that even those yet to suffer from such injuries can make use of the therapy ball.
Giving your Hands Something Else to Do
While it might seem like the obvious route would be to rest your hands, if that is all you are doing to avoid RSIs, it might not be enough. After all, if your hands are still doing the same thing over and over again with no significant changes, you will likely end up suffering the same thing.
One of the best things to do for your hands would be to allow them to do other actions aside from typing or drawing. Such is the reason why so many exercises involve tiny movements that you might not do otherwise. It helps even things out and alleviates pressure through repetitive actions.
A Matter of Technique
Similar to exercising well, it is not about the number of repetitions but your form. If your technique is correct, you will end up getting more out of your exercise sessions — even if the incorrect form has already repeated the session several times over.
Not too many people realize that they’re having trouble with their form, especially since the human body is excellent at adapting. It can adapt to even the worst positions, and when you get used to it, you’ll barely feel the pain. Unfortunately, that can lead to big problems down the line.
The ideal way to figure out if your technique is any good is to search online for the safest and most efficient positions for writers and artists. While you might be used to your position, it always pays to make changes as early as possible to help you make the most out of your opportunities.
Exercise is Essential
Some people are probably already groaning at the prospect of exercising, but it’s a surprisingly helpful way of avoiding injuries through repetitive motions. First and foremost, exercises can help circulation, which can help ensure that pinched nerves aren’t an issue. It also helps people deal with a sedentary lifestyle, ensuring that you do not suffer aches and pains in places other than your hands due to being seated for long periods.
Going out for a walk or a light jog is a great way of getting the blood pumping. You can also go for shadow boxing exercises due to how easy it can help you burn fat without any kind of equipment. While much of it can depend on your favorite type of exercise, the important thing is to get a decent amount of activity every week.
On the Topic of Sleep
Aside from the best-practice methods above, another great way to help prolong your career as an artist or writer is to ensure that you get enough sleep every night. Eight hours is a must, and regulating your sleep by lying down at the same hour every night can help if you are4 suffering from bouts of insomnia. There are also plenty of products that can help people get more sleep every night. Getting enough sleep ensures that you have the energy you need to keep going.
The best part about avoiding RSIs is that many solutions can help you live a healthier and happier life overall. It might take some effort and discipline, but with the help of therapeutic wellness items such as the therapy ball, even repetitive strain injuries are no match.
