A healthier writers' life

Since the holidays, I've battled one ailment after another. First, it was a week-long headache, followed by a two-week cold. The cold's finally going away only to be replaced by another headache.

It occurred to me, not for the first time in my life, that my anxiety to meet self-imposed and contractual deadlines, causes me to push myself too hard. The pace weakens my ability to fight off minor illnesses. Do you find yourself doing the same thing? I thought so.

I think together we should resolve to take better care of ourselves. That means at least six hours of sleep every night, regular exercise, three square meals - or six mini-squares - eight glasses of water, as well as vitamin and iron supplements.

Really, in the long run, we're doing ourselves a favor. We can't write when we're not feeling well. At least, we can't write anything good. And then we fall further behind schedule. It's a vicious cycle.

So, let's make sure we take care of ourselves, so we're fit and healthy to take care of everything - and everyone - else.

Patricia