It’s actually a good thing for writers to step away from the keyboard every once in awhile. On the Kenyon Review blog, Aaron Gilbreath reminds us of the importance of tending to and strengthening the mortal vessels that our brilliant minds travel inside:

Build a literary life if you want it, but don’t forget that when it comes to the body, it’s use it or lose it. (Unless you’re Harry Dean Stanton, then you can smoke cigs till you’re ninety. Related rule: ignore the exceptions.)