Writer’s block is not a valid excuse for not writing. You can break through it by using one of the many kick-ass resources available on how to find ideas, re-slant articles, improve your brainstorming skills and more.
But what if you literally can’t write? What if your wrists give you too much pain when you touch a keyboard, or try to hold a pen?
Life-threatening or permanently damaging health conditions aside, a hand or arm injury is one of the worst things that can happen to a writer. And thanks to our constant love affair with our computers, hand injuries are becoming more common among writers.
In May 2013, I was diagnosed with nerve entrapment in my wrists. The pain was driving me crazy. At one point, it hurt even when I wasn’t doing anything.
The pain had been going on for 3 weeks when I got my diagnosis. It wasn’t the first time I’d had this problem. The condition can last anywhere between a couple of days and several months, depending on how serious it is and what you do to get better.
As someone who takes her health seriously —or, more accurately, as someone who would go nuts unless she could start writing soon— I followed my doctor’s instructions, which included using an ointment regularly, taking vitamin B, resting my hands as much as possible and wearing splints, especially while typing.
And while it’s extremely frustrating, it’s not the end of the world.
Luckily, as bloggers, our careers aren’t just about writing, and neither are our lives. So I came up with a list of practical and fun activities for tough, non-writing times. The good news is, most of these tips are also applicable to writer’s block:
Procrastinate
No, seriously. It’s not like you’re slacking. You can’t write. During the early stages of a nerve entrapment episode, it’s possible it hurts even when you take notes the old-fashioned way, by hand. So use this excuse to procrastinate properly.
But do stay away from your computer as much as you can.
I realize it’s like being separated from your baby (especially if you don’t have actual offspring to attend to), but even the most ergonomic of keyboards isn’t your friend right now. If you do have to use it, minimize the time you spend with it. Cut back on Internet surfing and social media, for instance.
Socialize
Unless you have a cold that requires bed rest, go out and remind your friends what you look like. Have fun. Get crazy. Just don’t abuse your hands — so bowling isn’t a good idea unless you plan only to watch and keep score for your friends.
Make memories worth writing about. You know what they say: The more exciting your life, the more interesting your writing.
Network in Person
This is the perfect time to attend conferences and other networking events. Sure, you can’t take notes much, but you can record some essential stuff (if recording’s allowed at the event) or ask others to lend you their notes so you can get a copy printed.
You can network online any time, so use this injury time as your opportunity to make friends and contacts face-to-face. Don’t forget to bring your business cards. You have those, right?
Exercise
I recommend swimming. 5 days in the sun and sea worked wonders for my hands. Walking is great, too.
We need to keep in shape for a healthier body anyway, so exercise regularly but without going overboard. Your brain and body will thank you in the most spectacular ways.
Record Ideas on Your Phone
I’m guessing many of you don’t own tape recorders. I know I don’t. So I use my smartphone or MP3 player to keep track of ideas.
Ideas tend to flow at an alarming rate, particularly during times you’re not supposed to be writing. So save them all. You’re not retired, after all. You’re just on vacation. Well, sort of.
Go Window Shopping
Shopping is a lot of fun, and it helps to release stress (as long as you don’t spend more than you can afford!).
But this time, use your eyes and legs more than your arms. Going through racks, especially with splints, can hurt. You can always come back for stuff later if you see something you like.
Equip Yourself for Success
You’ll need to optimize your working environment to prevent this injury from reoccurring. Make sure you have an ergonomic keyboard, mouse, and wrist support. Now’s the time to buy them if you don’t have them already.
Experiment With Podcasting
Podcasting can spice up your content, increase traffic and appeal to a wider audience.
You’ll still need to type file names and keywords, and push the save button, but recording your content is easier and faster than typing an entire article, especially after you get the hang of it.
Try Video Blogging
Everything about podcasting also goes for video blogging.
You can generally create stuff with the equipment you already have, but if you realize you lack the basics, add them to your shopping list. Don’t go overboard, though. If you realize video blogging is not for you, you might regret the purchases.
Find Quality Speech-to-Text Software
For a Mac user, there aren’t a lot of free options. The free ones I found didn’t work all that well, and they were way too basic.
Mac has its own speech recognition and dictation software, but everything you write is saved by Apple. Ouch. And it can’t keep up if you tend to talk fast.
The most popular choice for Mac seemed to be Dragon Dictate (which doesn’t have a free trial), so I decided to gamble 200 bucks. And I went with the mail order version so I would also get Dragon’s own microphone and avoid potential compatibility issues.
Unfortunately, the mail order version comes with a DVD. I didn’t realize the DVD-drive requirement for the product before ordering, and that’s my bad. But it just didn’t occur to me that their only with-microphone option would completely ignore MacBook Air users!
So it cost 200 bucks, and purchasing an external DVD drive (because transferring the files from another Mac didn’t work) to finally install the product.
There’s also a downloadable version at about 130 bucks, but then you need to buy a quality microphone. The compatible ones are listed on the product website, though.
Installation isn’t complicated, and if there are any problems, support staff generally respond quickly.
Voice-training the software doesn’t take much time, though getting used to dictation and using the right instructions might. Especially at first, talking won’t feel as natural as typing and it may be slow going. But once you get the hang of it, it’s a big help in the wrist health department, and it will increase your productivity.
Windows users are luckier, as there are many more free tools and free trials you can download. Unfortunately, my ancient Lenovo laptop couldn’t utilize any of them. But blogging guru Jon Morrow shares his recommendations for Windows users in this video on speech recognition tools for bloggers:
Listen to Your Doctor
OK, this tip is more pragmatic than fun, but I can’t emphasize it enough. I have 2 splints for my wrists and wherever my Mac goes, they follow.
As comfortable as my Mac is, and despite my health being better, I still use the splints when I feel the potential pain piling up or when I have to do excess writing.
(And I still love typing more than dictating.)
Things will eventually get back to normal, but it doesn’t mean you should return to the old habits that got you into trouble in the first place. And there are a few things you can do to remain healthy:
- Take regular breaks from your computer. This condition can always come back, so don’t forget to exercise your hands and arms regularly, and remember to step away for breaks. This also benefits your neck and eyes.
- Don’t lose your splints, or forget where you placed your ointment. Just in case.
- Write in bulk whenever inspiration strikes. Life is unpredictable with or without wrist injuries, so it’s best to have some back-up posts.
Staying away from your keyboard might not be ideal, but it’s manageable. Remember it possibly happened due to some unhealthy working habits, so this is the perfect time to adopt a healthier lifestyle, as well as a better appreciation of time.
And when you’re able to type again, don’t procrastinate! Get the words out while you can, in case tomorrow’s harder than today.
Photo: Ian Koblyanski
Hi Pinar! : )
This post not only has excellent suggestions for conquering Writers’ Block, but it also includes a valuable lesson on overcoming adversity.
I have absolute respect and admiration for your strength! When you experience the intensity and continuous pain that you’ve endured, it makes you not feel good all over…and it eventually messes with your head…IF you let it.
You’re an amazing example of someone who has the drive, passion & discipline to overcome any obstacle that comes your way. We all can do this, it’s just that many don’t realize it.
Thanks so much for such an inspirational post that carries ‘dual’ messages.
Hi Lynn,
I’m glad you found the post helpful:) I love coming up with post ideas after a certain problem. Chances are others have gone through a similar thing or they might go through it in the future.
I’ll be honest, it does go to your head a bit. You just need to move on fast:)
I too do the same – come up with posts after having solved a problem – and love it too. Just that my problems and posts are technical ones, mostly.
When I get into a problem, I know that there soon would be a post on it by me, after getting a solution. 🙂 Love this idea for writing posts and I’m sure you do, too!
Hi Pinar,
Thanks for the valuable post. You’ve inspired me to really keep going. I don’t have anything as intense as your condition. I have vision problems, sometimes I get headaches if I’m at the computer too long and upper-back pain. This post is a good reminder that there’s no real excuse — you are a fine example.
I’ve played with speech-to-text software, but I’m not a complete fan. I think it’ll be worth it to continue playing with it. I did like the speech-to-text software more on my tablets — it’s just easier to take on-the-go.
I also really need to get another wireless keyboard. I could bring that and a tablet with me outside and just type. I’m not a fan of lugging around a heavy laptop (the back problems).
Thanks for the tips (wow, that Jon Morrow video) and the rekindled inspiration 🙂
Hi Jessica,
I also prefer typing. It feels more “writerly,” for some reason. Or maybe it is because I’ve been typing since I was really young, and got so used to it. Forget about the speech-to-text software, even laptops weren’t popular back then…
You should remember to take regular breaks for your back and eyes, but I can understand how easy it’s to get carried away when you are inspired. Setting your alarm clock might help…
Speaking of addiction to computers when inspired, I’m addicted to the technical side of blogging too much.
Just last two days I’ve been struggling to move WordPress to another newer domain I got as a prize here at BAFB (yep – thanks to Sophie). Even though I wasn’t able to make it completely move it yet, I loved the struggle and gave it too much time, not even feeling hungry.
I agree with your suggestion of taking breaks and get up to do something else, instead of getting up only when I get success doing the technical thing.
Definitely, typing does feel more “writerly.” I think I just change my mind too much when I’m writing. I think my speech-to-text would have a lot of “No, no, scratch that” and “Ugh, that doesn’t sound right” phrases. But I won’t give up on it. I’ll start with shorter writings, and maybe work my way up. Yeah, I don’t want to lose that inspiration. It’s hard enough getting started sometimes. I’ll try an alarm for break-time.
Hi Pinar,
This post and your experience with the hand injuries just proves that you’re really Additcted to Writing. 🙂 Some nice list of suggestions for injured hands/wrists. I seem to be developing a wrist injury on my right hand too and it becomes difficult to type or use the mouse too at times.
A few thoughts which might add to the above list, but not during injury:
Use a Restman. It can be help a little, if not much. Two can be used to rest the arms while typing, instead of using a mouse on them.
A recent post on my blog was – 21 Ways to get Post Ideas for your Blog and a few of those would help in this case too. For example, like you said, I too type the post drafts on my smartphone (but more used to writing with pen and notebook, sitting in a park). Just heading to the park right now. See ya!
Hi Raspal,
Sorry to hear about your wrist, and thanks for your suggestion. I’ll give it a shot.
A park is a great idea, especially in good weather. You can also get your exercise and fresh air too. I love his coffee shop; it’s near the beach and has a wonderful view of the sea. When I work there, I take a nice walk during my breaks.
I hope this makes some sense. I just wrote it because it rhymed. If it’s not good, I request Sophie to delete this comment.
You need to take a break,
And walk by the side of the lake.
Not for others, but your health’s sake.
C’mon, just a break you take,
And see how much creative of yourself, you make.
Sleep or nap, and fresh n fine you’ll wake.
And then, write like Freddy and Jake!
But, don’t any noise you make,
Or the Lion would wake, and you’ll start to shake.
Just silently write and eat a cake.
That’s lovely, Raspal. It makes me wish that I had a lake nearby 🙁 I’ve heard water is really good for those creative juices. I think this point is especially true, on so many levels — “Not for others, but your health’s sake.”
Yes, water in a lake or at the beach is surely good for the mind. The mind opens and thoughts flow freely when in open surroundings. Even being at a park helps. And, without doubt, it helps your health – both, physical and mental.
BTW, that was my first ever attempt at a “poem”. I have never written one before. I just added some rhyming words after being inspired by “take a break” comment above, from Pinar.
Great poem, Raspal. 🙂
Loved the poem, Raspal.
I think it’s pretty cool too. And this is coming from someone who’s not the biggest fan of poetry or rhyming:D
LOL Pinar – I myself disliked poems in my school days. The only thing I liked was to answer first, when asked by the teacher about which figures of speech a certain line in the poem used.
Hey Pinar.
So sorry you had to learn all this – but thank you for sharing all the excellent solutions you came up with. There’s nothing like pain to motivate change.
One thing that really hit me about this post is how critical it is for freelancers to have some savings. Otherwise, if something like this hits for a week or a month or two months, we’re in serious trouble.
I finally started saving 20% of every freelance dollar I earned last year. At first, I felt broke all the time and REALLY missed the 20%, but as the amount saved grew, I could almost measure my blood pressure falling.
The peace of mind it’s given me is amazing. It’s also given me the option of turning away bad clients, and given me the cojones to ask to 50% payment up front. It’s meant I can take days off (for mental, physical and spiritual health) and not freak out.
I’ve had wrist issues, too. They’re gone for now, but sometimes late at night I’ll start to feel them again. For my wrists, working through the pain is guaranteed to make it worse.
Thank you for giving us so many good ideas for what to do when we can’t work.
Hi Pam,
Thanks for the lovely comment. I definitely agree with you on saving. I try to save as much as I can without limiting my life too much. The savings come in handy during health issues, unpleasant clients and break times when you are on vacation or working on projects that’ll yield money much later.
PS. Sorry to hear about your wrists…
Hi Pinar,
Thanks for sharing your experience – and your solutions. I’ve struggled with debilitating pain in one wrist from time to time, but although the pain stretches for a month or more, the most intense parts would only ever derail my computer use for a few days.
Also – it’s been greatly alleviated by quitting my waitress job. Man, that work can be rough on the body!
I’ve been curious about Dragon. It seems like the process of “writing out loud” would be quite different than just typing. Did you have any struggles with that?
Hi Jessie,
It takes a while to get used to Dragon because you need to learn their commands. Frankly, I still type as much as I can. However I use Mac’s reading out loud function for editing my Word documents and Final Draft’s speech control for editing screenplays. It makes you a better proofreader, and saves your wrists some time (and pain).
Hi, Pinar:
Enjoyed your post. I can relate. Had carpal tunnel surgery on both wrists. I’m sure these tips will inspire others to persevere. Continued luck with your writing.
Hi Roy,
Sorry about your wrists. How are they post-surgery? Did the problem completely go away?
Hello, Pinar. Thank you for sharing your story and the tricks up your sleeve to make the most out of an otherwise not-so-fortunate situation. 🙂
Hi Maricel,
I try to make the best of problems by turning into fun lessons for myself and other freelancers:)
Thank you for such an informative article. I nearly lost the use of my right hand a few years back due to a disease I contracted after a wrist fracture, and I could’ve used some of your positivity, and practicality then, instead of the Occupational therapists I saw…….I think some were conscripted from Spanish Inquisition descendants……thank you again.
Hi Julie,
It helps to have people around you who understand. Luckily for me, I met a lot of people with the same problem. People would see my wrists and then tell me their stories. Some showed the surgical scars on their wrists. I knew before that it wasn’t a rare condition, but I had no idea it was that commonplace! That really helped…
Pinar – an experience like this really puts life into perspective, doesn’t it? I imagine it would have been tough to consciously procrastinate during that period – especially when writing is your thing.
How are you now? In your post you write that the condition can last up to a few months? Are you fully recovered?
Hi Razwana,
You are so right about the perspective. People are funny creatures. When we’re told we can’t do something, we automatically want to do it. When we have to work and can, it’s so tempting to procrastinate. And yet when we have to procrastinate, all we want to do is work…But yes, it did teach me a thing or two about managing time and health better.
It completely went away for a couple of weeks. It occasionally threatens to come back. Then I just apply my own tips and let it pass without much damage or feeling blue:)
Hi Pinar,
Thank you for sharing your story. I haven’t suffered a wrist injury. But there are times when I am demoralized and I can’t write or think creatively. This feeling is also accompanied by guilt because i feel like I am wasting time by not doing anything. I would feel frustrated and not know what to do. I plan to apply some of the things you suggested like socializing, window shopping and reading books on blogging and writing.
This blog post also came in the nick of time. I interviewed and recorded someone the past weekend and have to submit the story this week. I’ve been feeling disinclined to transcribe the audio. The speech recognition software recommended by Jon will probably help.
Hi Pinar,
Thanks for the inspiration.
I applaud your resilience and good humor and wish you a quick and complete recovery.
I’ve been meaning to check out the different speech recognition tools (for Windows) – thanks for the reminder.
Hi Rohi,
I’m glad you liked the post. I also find that sometimes inspirational posts work better than to-do lists and post-its.
Hi Emelia,
You are so not alone about lack of motivation. I think it happens to all writers. Sometimes you feel like you can’t write or what you write is just crap. For those times, I refer to posts and books about inspiration and motivation that I love. I even wrote a post for my own blog about this where I added my ideas to the links of my favorite articles on the subject. It helps to go back, read it through and get re-energized.
Great article and really important as all writers (bloggers/musicians/office workers) are susceptible to similar injuries. I suffered for months last year with shoulder tendonitis and trapped nerve in my neck, with referred pain all the way down my left arm to my fingers. There comes a point when you think it will never get better, but it does with time and plenty of rest (for me).
I would add to your article: see a specialist e.g. osteopath or occupational therapist/physio to help with your condition. Make sure you have the right posture going, with proper set-up at desk, screen at eye level etc.
And yes, remember where you’re vulnerable so you don’t overdo it again and always take breaks!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Uju…And so sorry to hear about your pain. And definitely try physical therapy if your doctor recommends it.
But yes, it’s unfortunately a very common condition with people who use computers all day.
Oh, Pinar. So sorry to hear you’ve been suffering too. Reading your post brought back memories from a few years back when I was diagnosed with tenosynovitis (very sexy name!) and I couldn’t use my hands properly for a few good months. I couldn’t even exchange a handshake let alone use a computer or do basic stuff around the house.
The only thing I would add, that my doc recommended and I incorporated since then in my daily routine, would be proper nutrition (excluding dairy products as they are inflammatory) and hydration (enhances the blood flow in the extremities).
Thank you for sharing your experience and wishing you well!
Hi Anca,
Sorry to hear about your pain too. But you’re so right about nutrition and hydration.
I couldn’t carry plates as even one plate was too heavy…
I hope we manage to stay away from these conditions for good!
It would suck not being able to type. I’m sorry you had to go through this. Hopefully all is better now.
Dear Pinar,
I empathise with you.
I’ve been on disability for 10 years. Instead of getting better (as I’d anticipated), I’ve developed a different “distraction” on the average of once every 1 1/2 years. I’m on 40 mg of hydrocodone for the pain.
Just to give you an idea of what I mean, my “hobbies” include:
* A bone condtion that’s both thickening & weakening my bones. Because of this, I have 2 bone spurs in my left shoulder, thickening of my cranial sinuses, & bone spurs in each place I’ve blown a disk (mostly in my neck).
*fibromyalgia that’s now developed into complex regional pain syndrome
*…a host of others I’m too ashamed to share.
As you can see, there are some days I can type, but if I try to work on a story or article, my brain locks up, because I’ve developed a form of aphasia that stops me from remembering words for basic objects (chair, food, head,etc.), and generally just makes me depressed if I let it.
I’ve written an entire novel in my head, & can’t wait to get a laptop so I can type when the wind blows right.
Just wanted to say that I’m VERY sorry you’re in that kind of pain. I’ve had nerve pain, but thankfully it’s only intermittent.
May God bless you & keep you.
Lakewolf Whitecrow
Hi Alicia,
Yep, I hate being away from the keyboard too. We have a very passionate relationship:D
Thanks for your good wishes. Yeah, things are much better now.
I don’t like speech to text software programs. Not that they are bad, but because I feel it difficult to talk at times – I speak less. But I know, there’s no other way for people with hand injuries like you had.
Another thought – talking takes much more (most) energy out of you. Speaking/talking takes away most of our energy.
How nice would it be to be able to type as we think! I mean, we think and the thoughts get typed. That’s not a dream, it may soon be possible. I read somewhere the other day about a machine made by Japanese scientists which can record our thoughts by wearing it. So, typing those thoughts should be possible too. Not now, but sometime in the near future.
Raspal, that level of tech scares me and impresses me at the same time. But I’d sure buy it as long as it became affordable:)
Thank you, Pinar, for sharing your story and such great advice. 🙂
For someone who uses her hands for so many hobbies – jewelry-making, embroidery, gardening, writing – life would become frustrating quickly, if I lost the use of my hands. These are the things that keep me sane!
I had a very difficult pregnancy a few years ago. All I could do was lie in bed and read… and throw up a lot. My hips hurt so bad, just rolling out of bed was excruciating. That was very frustrating. But I got a lot of reading done!
Life throws us various trials. It’s unavoidable, so there’s no point in sulking. I say, Cry a little, then get your ass up and go! I applaud your strength and initiative. 🙂
Hi MJ,
I’m so with you on the sanity thing:) Writing keeps me sane. I also love dancing and swimming. Swimming helps with the condition, but dancing wasn’t allowed.
I often consoled myself by saying it was temporary, that it forced me to be more active and kept fingers crossed that I wouldn’t get a cold during the nerve entrapment. It would be so much worse if I was forced to lie down without being able to use the keyboard!
Sorry about the painful pregnancy, and I’m glad you got through it with a tough attitude:)
Refreshing article, Pinar.
Injury or not, sometimes its a good idea to take a step back from writing every now and then. I find when I do that, that when I come back I’m twice as efficient. Especially if I’ve gone through a spell where I feel like I’m going through the motions a tad.
Hi Barrett,
I agree. Returning after a break gives you a great new perspective. It can be a bit frustrating, though, if the break wasn’t optional:)
Great post! Lots of good tips on how to overcome chronic pain and still write.
I am a person with chronic pain. My hands are my most treasured tools. The internet is my lifeline to the world. I am home bound (rarely leave but for doc appts), so my entire life is pretty much online.
While I started blogging many, many years ago, I truly didn’t get started until I lost my “real” job and career (due to chronic illness) and had to write or go crazy! Networking with others in the same situation only made me more determined that I could do it at all.
The rest of the challenge is actually finding the stamina and focus to actually finish articles I start to write! I recently (finally) started to write about my love of WordPress, SEO and social media (blogology.ca). So I’m happily working on that.
I’m also seriously considering using Dragon Remote Microphone on my tablet (works with Dragon on your PC) to translate voice to text instead of typing. But I’m stubborn and kinda stuck in my current method. But it’s good to know that the option is there if/when I need it.
So glad you found this post helpful, Shannon! It’s one of my personal favorites here at BAFB too.
Hi Shannon,
Sorry to hear about your condition. I hope your doctors find a way to cure it permanently.
But I can understand your unwillingness to give up or reduce your typing. Even though I act out my fiction writing (privately), and am quite talkative, I can’t seem to convert to “speaking” when it comes to my writing. Typing feels more – don’t laugh- magical (and writer-like). Until the pain comes of course. Then it’s going back to all the tips I listed.