Yoga Cures Writer’s Block: Guest Post by L.Z. Marie

Guest blogger L.Z. Marie, author of the Merkabah series

One of the best ways to move yourself out of writer’s block is to move yourself. Literally.

Yoga is a delightful form of Self-care that offers the benefits of exercise and mediation. Today’s guest blogger, L.Z. Marie — author of the Merkabah series wherein cosmic mysteries meet ancient legends when an empathic professor and her rebellious mentor solve paranormal crimes — details the benefits writers can gain from practicing specific yoga poses.

Warning: some of these made me laugh out loud.

Yoga for Writers by L.Z. Marie

Writers tend to stay in a seated position for hours while working, therefore it’s critical to move our body. Exercise gets our blood moving, which in turn helps us ponder plot flaws, create characters, and dig deep into the depths of our emotions. And no! Lifting coffee or moving your mouse is NOT considered exercise.

In addition, certain movements reduce cortisol (the stress hormone ) and increase testosterone (the fearless hormone).

Here are a few poses that may help reduce writer’s block and writer’s derriere. (As with any exercise program be sure to check with your physician before beginning—yada yada)

Plough: Beneficial pose when you have writer’s block. Hold position until you can think of something—ANYTHING— to get out of this ridiculous and embarrassing position.

Seated meditation: Good for going deep inside your brain while visualizing a scene or imagining dialog.

Down dog: Use after receiving the sorry-your-manuscript-is-not-what-we’re-looking-for rejection letter. Hold position until you are brave enough to query again or your arms give out.

Plank: Excellent way of keeping your fingers away from the keyboard when someone posts something stupid or insulting on social media. Maintain position until you no longer feel the urge to reply or comment.

Forward roll: Effective when someone tells you they didn’t like your protagonist. The head to knee position is a great way to disguise your tears.

Leg high: Best way to make certain all the blood flows directly to your brain. This position not only gives you a brain boost, it will help you describe pain.

Tree: Effective way to come down from your caffeine high. Maintain very cool looking Zen-like position until your coffee is cold, then add ice cubes for a refreshing pick-me-up.

Warrior: Perfect pose to assume after completing a tough chapter or difficult scene.

Child: Great for stretching out your back and legs. Also good for giving thanks to your editor.

Mountain pose: A fabulous way to give thanks to the Writing Gods when an agent asks to see a full manuscript. Also great for stretching out those hunched-over-the-keyboard back problems.

So stretch out those limbs and embrace the creative power poses! Hugs and kisses to my daughter for being a good sport about the photos!

Thanks L.Z.!

L.Z. began writing soon after learning to hold a pencil—or possibly a crayon—but it wasn’t until her four children were older (and learned to forage for their own food) when she began indulging her true passion. A language arts teacher with a degree in Literature and a Masters in Education, you can find Marie glued to her laptop—spoiled pooch by her side—writing her next novel or blogging about authorial technique and literary craft.

Marie invites writers, students, teachers, and readers to  www.lzmarieauthor.com where you can find her weekly blog; links & fun info; novel sneak peeks; fiction & academic writing resources; and lesson/activities for teachers. She loves to connect with readers and other writers on Google+, LinkedIn, Instagram (LZMarieauthor and/or Luluthemuse), Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook.