Staying Healthy While Creating Comics

[lilyinblue]

Originally Posted by UniverseX259

Once I began freelancing I gained about 15 pounds really quickly, and decided to be more conscious of my physical state.

The first thing I did was replace most liquids I drank with water - A lot of calories people consume come from liquids like soda, milk, etc. Coffee stayed, though, I think that's one of the freelancer's 4 food groups. I also cut out junk food and began eating a bit healthier.

The biggest thing, though, was I began running. Cardio is a good way to keep your body in check, and also to shed off extra pounds. It's tough at first, but once you get into it, it really becomes fun. And it's free! All you need is a good pair of shoes and a good road or track, and that's it.

Are you sure you're not me? Because that sounds exactly like me... right down to the 15 lbs since I started my agency job about 3 years ago.

I decided to (mostly) give up soda this year. For about the first month... the cravings for high-fructose corn syrup were pretty tough. However, those gradually faded. I used to have a pretty monster sweet tooth, but I noticed that I've been eating less sweet stuff in general now. I think the lessening of the cravings affected everything I eat and not just the soda.

I do think it's important to make allowances though. Cold turkey is tough. My one rule is that if I'm out to eat, I'm allowed to drink a coke. Occasional treats are good.

I'm also a runner, or at least I try to be when my willpower is strong. Outside of that, I walk everywhere. It's one of those little things that ads up. I try my best to walk home from work every night instead of taking the subway. It's about 3.5 miles. I think that's the primary thing that keeps me out of the gym.

[KC]

I try to commit to moving on the days that I have to sit and create a lot, too. Whether I schedule a dance or yoga or other class at the gym or time myself for a 30 minute walk, I have to move. I feel less stress and tight, and usually free up space in my brain. I just think scheduling movement, as if it's non-negotiable and part of your creative process, can be very efficient and encouraging. It may actually be something you start to crave to do - just don't use it as a tool for procrastination!

[Jessisheron]

I try to go running about 5 days a week between 1 and 3 miles each time, also this summer I went on a 230 mile hike on the Pennsylvania section of the Appalachian trail, haha I walked from Maryland to New Jersey in 2 weeks. I used to be very sedentary, but even at my young age I noticed my back always hurt, along with my stomach and no matter how much sleep I got I was always always tired. Ended up losing around 40 pounds. I also try to mix it up with push ups and sit ups, I want to get more into weight training buy its hard when you don't belong to a gym. Getting up a little bit early and going out for 20-30 minutes of exercise can REALLY boost my over all production all day, plus that tiny bit of sunshine gives me some Vitamin D which boosts my mood and ads some endorphins which help combat depression and make you want to keep making art and working out!

[jennifermarie]

I signed up for trapeze classes. The gym was boring, and I can't stand running, but trapeze makes me feel like I'm training to be a superhero!

[RachelPandich]

I do BodyFlow class (yoga, tai chi, and Pilates) at my gym, walk the dogs every day, *mostly* vegan diet. Insanity, like boot camp, omfg I'd die. Big props to everyone that can do that.

Trapeze class? REALLY???

[MoonSpider]

Boiled eggs and Easter candy today. The staying healthy thing is taking a step back, lolz.

[lenity]

The stress of the day job killed my spirit and I gained weight and got depressed. As a result, my motivation to draw suffered. This was 2.5 years ago. I signed up for pole dancing classes and never looked back. LOL Needless to say, I'm healthier, happier and working a lot harder these days! Woo!