Photo stolen from Fat Man Unleashed. Finding Health and Balance as a Blogger (or, Life Will Kill You, Not Blogging)
Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Israel Lagares of the Fat Man Unleashed blog.
I was going through my daily RSS health reading when I came across an article in the NY Times. By now, you should know what it’s about: blogging being “bad” for your health. Being the curious soul that I am, I went over and read the article and it got me thinking about my blogging health.
Well, the article basically says that blogging can kill ya! And it has, allegedly, killed some. Of course that’s a bit overboard but it does bring up some good points about blogging, and life in general. Now, as an ever thinking being I always try to extract positive, worthwhile information from my experiences. Always. That’s just the way I have grown up to be.
You can die of natural causes no matter what your profession. You can even die if you are healthy. I have read of people that were in really good shape dying of heart attacks. But then you have my grandma that has been chain smoking for 75% of her life (she is in her 80’s) and she is alive and kicking. I honestly think that if she quit smoking she would die sooner. Anyway, enough death talk. My point is that it is crucial that a balance be found. Blogging is just another hobby, another job, another profession. It doesn’t kill people. Animals kill people. Um, I mean, people kill people. The actions we take, and medical conditions we are born with, are what determine our demise and health. There I go with the death talk again. No more. Pinky swear. Did you just do it? Because I did.
The people in the NY Times article weren’t as healthy as they could be because of their own lack of balance. Not because of blogging. Blogging was just the thing that they were obsessed about. It could have been anything though. Like mountain climbing or watching tv. Neglecting your health is YOUR fault, not anyones or thing’s fault (unless you are hospitalized or institutionalized).
The blogging world has seen a massive growth spurt and mainstream media is beginning to take notice. Like I said earlier, the article raised some interesting points. I believe that things should be done with balance and moderation. Once someone masters those two elements within themselves, they can begin to do anything. For me, blogging is a drug. It’s a way for me to express myself. It’s just plain fun. I have been blogging for almost a year now (got a bit more serious about it after a few months of playing around with the notion of exposing my fat pictures) and can honestly say that I am healthier because of blogging.
Get Healthy with Blogging Formula
How am I healthier you ask? It’s simple really. I blogged. I read. People read. I felt accountable for my weight loss and health. We formed a community. I felt inspired. They felt inspired. I lost weight. I got healthier. I blogged some more. Repeat. It’s a no-brainer really.
It all boils down to a person being able to make the distinction between balance and obsession. Wait, does that sound right? Let me think this out. I’m obsessed with the internet and blogging, but I am still able to find balance between life, health, family, and the web. Hmmm. So it doesn’t boil down to obsession and balance, it boils down to balancing obsessions and responsibilities/necessities.
Our mind and bodies need to be taken care of. Period. We need to eat healthy, be physically active, and entertain our minds. The thing many people fail to realize is that you only need 20 to 30 minutes a day of light physical activity to get healthier. Some folks need more than others but generally speaking 20 minutes is enough. Sprinkle in some veggies, fruits, water, and other healthy foods and you are on your way to a healthier lifestyle. All with only an hour of your time each day being used up. Now take 6 to 8 hours to sleep each day and that leaves you with 15 to 17 hours of “awake” time to satisfy your obsessions (assuming you took care of your other responsibilities that is).
A Pep Talk A Day, Keeps The Balance In Play
I use a quick mental checklist each day to help me stay balanced. It goes like this. After I wake up I give myself a pep talk. I tell myself that the day will be good and that I will accomplish my daily duties of being healthy and balanced. It works wonders because if I don’t make sure to fulfill my duties of being healthy (exercising, eating right) and balanced (spending time with family) then I feel like crap. And I really dislike feeling like crap. A LOT! So I have all day to make sure I spend at minimum a few hours with my family and get at least 30 minutes of exercise in. After many attempts I had mastered finding this balance. Guess what it took? Repetition.
At the end of the day it all boils down to are you happy with how you are living your life? If not, are you doing anything to change that? Are you balanced in life, family, health, and work?
Well, are you?
Read more from Israel at his blog, Fat Man Unleashed.
If you liked this article, please share it on del.icio.us, StumbleUpon or Digg. I’d appreciate it. :)
- Posted on 21 April 2008 in Health Tip Day |
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Comments (52)
Steve Says:
April 21st, 2008, 1:41 am
Now is the time to recognize Jesus Christ as your savior. Come to the lord and abandon new age religions.
pavs Says:
April 21st, 2008, 1:44 am
I am in the process in transforming my life as a full time bogger, and I can tell you that being a problogger and being physically active (or have the determination) can be quite challenging. But I am going there one step at a time.
Israel Lagares Says:
April 21st, 2008, 1:48 am
@Pavs it’s going to take you some time to find that balance. I came up with the Blogger Proof Workout to hep combat this. You should heck it out.
Alex | Livingwish Says:
April 21st, 2008, 2:10 am
That is all true, but you also have to take into account of what blogging made you. From what I have read from you and just your thought process in general, blogging gave you so much more than it took away. I would not even worry about blogging health to that extent.
Ryan McLean Says:
April 21st, 2008, 3:02 am
Good to see you back and posting again. I have been waiting for something new. I literally just wrote a draft on this very topic. I saw the same article a while ago but my post was driven by my personal experience (staying up till 2am blogging every night can really take its toll on your body).
It is so important to keep a healthy balance with blogging and everything else and to make sure you are eating right, sleeping well and exercising.
We don’t want our favourite bloggers like you or darren a problogger dying on us…then what would we read everyday?
Andrew is getting fit Says:
April 21st, 2008, 3:35 am
Like you, I have found my health has dramatically improved since I started blogging Israel.
I’m inspired by my community of readers as well.
Israel Lagares Says:
April 21st, 2008, 3:39 am
@Steve um, okay.
@Andrew indeed it has, you look great.
Abhijeet From JeetBlog Says:
April 21st, 2008, 4:35 am
Since the day I have started blogging full time , I have had a stiff neck and faced some health issues. But that was primarily because I was only mentally active but physical exercise had taken a back seat.
Now I am determined to stay fit and active and increase my productivity as a blogger.
Lily Says:
April 21st, 2008, 5:07 am
I’m distracted by those tits…
banji - LessonInLife Says:
April 21st, 2008, 7:39 am
Seriously, after I get hooked on blogging, my exercise routine get affected big time.
I want to blame it all at blogging. But like everything else, blogging is just some of the smaller rock in my jar of rocks. Health is one of the giant rock I need to put in first.
This is my pep talk of the day :)
Kudos Israel for the gentle reminder
Jeff@My Super-Charged Life Says:
April 21st, 2008, 8:09 am
Blogging kills!?! What will they think of next? We are all victims of something aren’t we? We are if you believe what our media tries to sell us. They seem to like the idea that no one is responisble for themselves or the results in their lives. We are all victims to the next new craze. When will the lawsuits begin? What a load of crap! If you blog, take a break once in awhile, eat decent, and exercise it is that simple.
Rick - Tripping the Muse Says:
April 21st, 2008, 9:00 am
This can be applied not only to blogging but to anything which detracts from a healthy work/home balance. Blogging may have taken the spotlight for the Times article but it is by no means an original thought. Today’s corporate environment is extremely unhealthy in many instances where a 80/20 work/life balance is almost expected. I would suspect it is even higher in some instances. It is a very sad state of affairs and I would bet that at the end of one’s life the prevailing thought won’t be “I wish I had worked more and enjoyed my family less…”
Daniel Says:
April 21st, 2008, 9:16 am
Gee, the New York Times wants us to all believe that the new media that is digging deeply into their circulation (and bottom line) is bad for our health. I’m sure I’m not alone in having seen that coming.
Still, anything done to excess can kill you - balance, as you mentioned, is key.
As I noted in my post about the 1000 mile journey ( http://theartofzenliving.com/2008/04/the-journey-of-1000-miles/ ) there was a time in my life I was very unhealthy. I can assure you that I’m better now, and that blogging is a big part of my life. Sorry NYT, blogging doesn’t seem to be killing me!
I wonder if newpaper editors have some of the same issues bloggers do…
Corey - Simple Marriage Project Says:
April 21st, 2008, 9:54 am
I would like to change the word balance. While balance is nice and a tremendous goal, it is not always achievable or realistic. What if the word balance was replaced with harmony?
The important thing is to be sure the things you want to include in life or goals or dreams are included, but not necessarily equal shares included. For life to “sound” good, have all parts in harmony. More of some less of others it ok, and maybe even sounds great.
SpaceAgeSage Says:
April 21st, 2008, 10:05 am
When I started my blog a few months ago, I found myself sitting for hours more at the computer than usual. I started having trouble seeing and getting headaches, and I tried to push it all aside. Finally I got an eye exam and realized I needed some 1x reading glasses! I think blogging can be so fun, we sometimes forget to listen and act on what our body is telling us.
Laurie Says:
April 21st, 2008, 10:13 am
I agree with Corey. As we go through phases of our lives what come to the foreground changes. We live in a world of constant change and equilibrium is never really acheived. Being able to bring things into and out of the foreground as change occurs without it disrupting your “flow”, focus and joy, I believe is key to living fully alive. I would also change the word balance to harmony.
David | beplayful Says:
April 21st, 2008, 10:37 am
I’ve started blogging recently, and I find that it helps me keep track of the time it takes to do certain activities.
Blogging is time consuming, but so is watching TV and sleeping.
Blogging has helped me focus on allocating time to what is important in life.
Thanks for another great post Leo.
David
Tad Says:
April 21st, 2008, 11:05 am
I like the idea of a pep talk in the morning. I will have to try it out.
Mart Says:
April 21st, 2008, 11:09 am
How is blogging different from doing anything at the computer in this context? Seems like a ridiculous article in the NY Times.
Crabby McSlacker Says:
April 21st, 2008, 12:17 pm
Great post, Israel.
I think for some of us balance is a challenge–it’s often easier to mindlessly keep doing more of what we’re already doing than it is to shift gears and attend to other priorities.
Blogging is an incredibly satisfying and interactive experience, but… you have to put boundaries around it or it can indeed gobble up your life and threaten your health!
Vered - MomGrind Says:
April 21st, 2008, 12:35 pm
I agree with Daniel. One of the main problems with the NYT article is that it attacks an alternative form of media that is quickly becoming mainstream, and thus a growing threat to classic media.
Andre Kibbe Says:
April 21st, 2008, 12:38 pm
Blogs take eyeballs away from newspapers, hence the nefarious image of blogging that newspapers feel compelled to cultivate. Yesterdays gripe was “the cult of the amateur,” today it’s obsessive blogging disorder. Tomorrow will bring yet another screed from a threatened establishment.
John Says:
April 21st, 2008, 14:53 pm
I wonder how many have died playing World of Warcraft? What a sad way to go.
Marelisa Says:
April 21st, 2008, 16:05 pm
Set a timer and get up every 45 minutes, drink water, and stretch. Also, do 40 minutes of cardio at least 3 times a week and lift weights 3 times a week. That should keep you blogging until you’re well past 80 :-)
Steve Says:
April 21st, 2008, 18:28 pm
This blog is going downhill. :-(
Dr. Nicole Sundene Says:
April 21st, 2008, 19:50 pm
Love it! Couldn’t agree with this more and you have a valuable point that it is not “blogging” that is the problem with compulsive behaviors it is “____________________”
I find that blogging helps me be healthier too because I am trying new things and trying to stick to my own advice as much as possible. If I can’t do it then how can I possible ask anyone else to do it.
I just can’t.
Gayle Says:
April 21st, 2008, 20:14 pm
Good topic. For me, blogging helps me to focus by forcing me to do something consistently- which is a way of being I’ve been averse to my whole life. I think getting focused in one area translates into other areas in your life. And, if you’re a fast writer and typer, and it keeps on being fun then for me that’s all that matters. Balance? Maybe balance is overrated! I’d rather be engaged and content than balanced.
MrAchievement.com (Stanley Bronstein) Says:
April 21st, 2008, 21:46 pm
You are so correct.
Balance is the key. To say that blogging killed these people is ridiculous. Maybe it’s possible that blogging, in conjunction with all their other activities killed them.
In any event, Balance is decreasing what is excessive and increasing what is deficient.
If your blogging is excessive decrease it. If it’s not, then don’t worry about it.
Just my 2¢
Mr Achievement
Stanley F. Bronstein
Attorney, CPA, Author, Blogger & Professional Motivational Speaker
sikantis Says:
April 21st, 2008, 22:16 pm
Whatever job you do it’s always important to have something else besides it. Nobody can only work all day long for months without having problems. Have esteem toward yourself!
Marsello - feedbacksecrets.com Says:
April 21st, 2008, 22:16 pm
Moderation is key, people have reportedly died playing online games before. The issue is when anything becomes your addiction, nothing good can come out of it. There’s a fine line between passion and addiction.
The Crazy Colombian Says:
April 21st, 2008, 22:21 pm
Israel,
Balance? Moderation? Before I explore whether they are the answers, let me share a quote from Dan Millman’s ‘Way of the Peaceful Warrior” about moderation:
“It sounds so ‘either-or’. What about moderation?”
“‘Moderation?” He leaped up on the desk, like an evangelist.
“Moderation? It’s mediocrity, fear, and confusion in disguise. It’s the devil’s reasonable deception. It’s the wobbling compromise that makes no one happy. Moderation is for the bland, the apologetic, for the fence sitters of the world afraid to take a stand. It’s for those afraid to laugh or cry, for those afraid to live or die. Moderation” - he took a deep breath, getting ready for his final condemnation - “is lukewarm tea, the devil’s own brew!”
In my article “Balance or Passion: Have we killed robust discourse in our search for tolerance and diversity?” I explore whether the quest for balance has in fact had unintended consequences. It is a paradox, really: By seeking balance, we have created an imbalance in our approach to life.
Confused? So are we all.
The bottom-line: Blogging doesn’t kill. Smoking doesn’t kill. Base-jumping doesn’t kill. But some of these activities will increase the chances of dying to unacceptable levels; for some people, the impact will be higher than others. At the end of the day, nothing ‘makes us’ do something, and nothing will ‘kill you’; but it’s up to you to weigh up the pro’s and con’s; decide on a course of action; and rake personal responsibility for following it. That way we can only say you killed yourself for making the (seemingly) wrong decision.
‘Nuf said.
(Leo: If you dislike a bit of self-promotion, please delete the following suggestion: For more controversial ideas that will give your brain a workout, visit my blog http://crazycolombian.com)
Frugal Dad Says:
April 21st, 2008, 23:20 pm
Since my blog is primarily about frugal living, I have found my waistline shrinking as I practice what I preach and reduce consumption, commute from work via bicycle, etc.
Deitze Says:
April 21st, 2008, 23:29 pm
Hmmm… Am I the only one responding to ZH posts that doesn’t have their own blog?!
Steve Says:
April 21st, 2008, 23:35 pm
Nope.
Israel Lagares Says:
April 21st, 2008, 23:38 pm
@ Deitze one of the things about blogging is that most blog readers have their own blog (polls have been done and it’s a high %).
Daniel Richard | Winning Everyone Says:
April 22nd, 2008, 3:11 am
Woah. Great job there Israel. You certainly look much different then the earlier photos you posted in your site.
Blogging definitely has given you tremendous benefits as you know how to find the balance between your exercise routines and coming up with articles accounting for your achievements .
Stephan Miller Says:
April 22nd, 2008, 8:09 am
I mainly need to learn to pace myself. I take too much on at once and then explode. I have been bad talking single tasking for a while, a big topic at this blog. I think the bad talking was just me holding onto an old habit of appearing really busy so that I feel like I am getting something done. So I am slowing down a bit and forcing myself into doing one thing at a time. It’s not the blogging. It’s the person doing the blogging. If blogging effects you adversely, you will find a way to make any job to fill the same scape goat place holder.
rioeagle Says:
April 22nd, 2008, 10:09 am
The common error is to think cause and effect, when things have correlation, but are not cause –> effect
For example there has been no proof that drinking beer makes you fat. What happens is that for a high % drinking beer relates to staying at home watching tv, and not going training and eating all other sorts of junk food. But beer alone is not the cause, it just correlates to the stats of some % of people that are overweight.
The same was proven in Freakonomics:
“Having a big library at home will not make smarter kids because they might never even look or read the books.”
So i agree, we can not mix apples and oranges….plus 70 % is genetic, that why some can still smoke.
Ralph Says:
April 22nd, 2008, 16:40 pm
great post, sitting in front of a computer all day is NOT exactly the prescription for health, in these modern techno days there will be new health problems that look at lot like those found in nursing homes, i.e. sedentary lifestyles …
maybe they will implant computers into our bodies soon so we can use them while running or hiking?
lol
Liara Covert Says:
April 22nd, 2008, 18:19 pm
Its also been said many other things can have negative effects. A good rule of thumb is to discover and practice your view of “moderation.” Only you can evolve learn to discern your own limits and when your surpass them.
Chica Dificil Says:
April 22nd, 2008, 18:36 pm
Blogging can promote healing for self and others at the spiritual, physical, and psychological level.
Miss Gisele B | myBeautyMatch.com Says:
April 22nd, 2008, 23:40 pm
This is such an important and “healthy” lesson!
Miss Gisele B.
Michael Moniz Says:
April 23rd, 2008, 1:23 am
I love how you took a negative outlook and made it into a positive one. This really helps you make the changes you need to be healthy in your life. Positive outlook in life takes you a long way…
shanti Says:
April 23rd, 2008, 6:35 am
I know setting the right priorities are a must here. I am not a Pro blogger, blogging is just a hobby for me. I also think that people are overreacting just a teensy bit
Lindsay Says:
April 23rd, 2008, 15:52 pm
Sometimes it’s hard to balance exercise and blogging into my schedule every day. I’ve just made both a priority, and I know I’m happiest when I do these things every day.
Not Steve Says:
April 23rd, 2008, 19:35 pm
@steve: um,
Flappity, floppity, flip
The mouse on the Möbius strip;
The strip revolved,
The mouse dissolved
In a chronodimensional skip.
Fiat 4-deluxe
subdivisionman Says:
April 26th, 2008, 8:23 am
Israel, great post and perspective. The NY Times article could have been about anything that requires people to spend their time doing sedentary tasks… Best of luck to you in your goals and know that your blog is inspirational to a lot of guys that would otherwise not admit they appreciate it.
Anon Says:
April 30th, 2008, 3:40 am
I think the problem comes from Internet addiction. People who use the Internet don’t want to admit that it exists, but it’s a serious problem.
The people who are “dying from blogging” may be Internet addicts who can’t turn off the computer even after they know it’s time to turn the computer off.
One of the people in the article comlained about severe sleeping disorders. Sleeping at the office. That sounds like a sickness, not a choice.
15+ hours a day online without ever taking a day off?
Internet addiction exists.
Thibaut Barrère Says:
May 5th, 2008, 16:40 pm
For me the most difficult things to overcome as a blogger were procrastination and internet addictions at the beginning. Checking traffic stats again and again can be very time-consuming!
An approach that works for me it to apply NVC:
http://evolvingworker.com/2008/2/14/4-steps-to-overcome-your-online-addictions
Matthew Says:
May 6th, 2008, 21:56 pm
I don’t think that blogging is the only thing that kills….any job in coporate america today can kill you quickly. Companies are cutting back on employees and running lean, which means increased hours. I have fallen off the health bandwagon and cannot wait to get back on. Great post!
Muscle Post Says:
May 8th, 2008, 20:42 pm
It’s all about maintaining the proper balance in life, which is different for everyone. Blogging in itself does not kill you. If you sit in front of your computer for 16 hours a day, don’t exercise, don’t eat right, and become engulfed in your blog, that may kill you. But this is the same with any job.
Saying that blogging kills people is just ignorant. In fact, blogging can be a great stress reliever for people. It can also be a great way to earn a living and break free from the corporate world (which is what I’m striving for!)
Trackbacks (6)
- Finding Health and Balance as a Blogger | Fat Man Unleashed
- Striking a Balance Between Life and Blogging | EvolvingMom.com
- Are You On Twitter Yet? | Blog About Your Blog
- Virtually Priceless Thoughts » Can people become Qwitters?
- Top of the Blogs 17-2008
- Have Coffee Will Write » Blog Archive » MUCKING OUT THE BLOGPILE…
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