Look Who it Was Random video

A Personal Journey to Becoming a Healthy Writer with Joanna Penn

1,237 views · Published 28 December 2017 · 2:20 · Indexed 21 September 2026

Channel: The Creative Penn · 2017 · Education

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The Healthy Writer available now in ebook and print formats. All the links: 
https://www.thecreativepenn.com/healthy-writer/

Hello creatives, I’m Joanna Penn and over the last ten years, I’ve written 26 books. I love writing, but over the years, my sedentary behaviour and bad posture, along with hours in front of the keyboard have resulted in back, neck and shoulder pain, repetitive strain injury in my wrist and elbow, as well as headaches, eye strain and weight gain. 

I want to be an author for the long term and I want to be a happy, healthy writer, so I decided to make some changes in my life.

I always used to walk in London, but when we moved to Bath in the south-west of England, I started walking along the canal and walking longer distances. 

The canal path is different every time I walk it. The seasons change and the hedgerows and foliage change too. There are ducks, swans, and a pair of herons, robins in the branches and the colourful canal boats move up and down, bringing new people to the area.

Walking has helped my fitness levels but it’s also helped my mental health. I can spend a day away from the screen, breathing, walking in nature, getting a new perspective on the world, talking with my husband, listening to audiobooks, or just being silent.

Walking longer distances calms my busy mind. I stop worrying about book sales and comparing myself to others when I watch a heron fish on the edge of the canal or listen to the rain on my hood and the click of my poles on the path.

In the last two years, I’ve walked two ultra-marathons and have another one booked for next year. These challenges give me a goal to aim for and I’ve found the events themselves to be incredibly motivating with beautiful scenery, great support and the buzz of achievement at the end.

Walking is a practice in the same way writing is. It doesn’t need to have a point, you can just enjoy the journey. 

Walking nourishes my body and mind, and has helped me become a healthier writer. Perhaps it can help you too. 

To find out more, check out The Healthy Writer, available now in ebook and print editions. 
All the links: 
https://www.thecreativepenn.com/healthy-writer/

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