Are you staying healthy as a blogger or author?

Guest Post by Laura Lee Carter aka the Midlife Crisis Queen

Let’s face it, trying to make a living while working on the Internet is more of a challenge than any of us ever expected.  In this strange new world where Facebook is valued at $100 billion though it doesn’t sell anything tangible, will we ever be able to pay the bills with blogging and books?

I guess this new frontier attracts a certain type of pioneer, one like me, pathologically optimistic!  I didn’t even become a writer until I hit age 50.  When I did, I decided to do my research and then choose where I felt professional writing was headed.  And even though it definitely hasn’t paid the bills so far, I chose blogging and self-publishing.

There are many rewards to this lifestyle, the best one being the freedom to put yourself out there in whatever way you see fit, with no editorial interference.  But the Internet can be a tough task master.  Whatever you do, it will never be enough in this 24/7 ever-changing cyber-world.  This world wants more and more from you as you constantly promise yourself, “If I just keep working longer and harder, I will certainly receive ever increasing rewards.”

Unfortunately this way of thinking can unconsciously turn into an insidious addiction before you know it, and there are both emotional and physical costs to consider.  Here are a few recommendations to consider if your electronic lifestyle isn’t feeling so healthy right now. 

If you are beginning to feel any physical symptoms like carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, shoulder or lower back pain from sitting there too long, step away from the blog!  This is your body telling you your addiction is getting a little out of hand.  Go take a nice long walk with the dog, what about a few exercise classes.  See a doctor or physical therapist about these new overuse injuries. 

Pace yourself.  Because the Internet is always on, there is always tomorrow to write that new post or finish your book.  Your audience has waited this long, they can certainly wait a while longer. Spend some quality time with real friends (not virtual!) or hanging out with your family.  I know it can be lots of fun making virtual friends with those all over the world, but this can lead to an unhealthy sense of isolation. We humans need real interactions with real people.  That’s how we’re built.

Two factors are essential if you choose to work full-time in a virtual world.  Define your own version of success and stick to it.  Otherwise it may eat you alive!  When it isn’t fun anymore then quit for a while.  It’s OK. 

Acknowledge all the non-monetary rewards you receive every day from connecting to so many others around the world with your wise words.  This has never been possible before in the history of man (or woman).  Take advantage of it, but also take care of yourself in the process.

Laura Lee Carter worked as an academic librarian until 2005, when she changed everything careers, homes and husbands.  Her blog: MidlifeCrisisQueen.com took off in 2007 when she started offering encouragement and advice to others struggling with midlife change.  Her new book is instruction in: How To Believe In Love Again.