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Thought we're well aware of all the ways we can injure ourselves in life, sometimes we take for granted that it won't happen to us. This is especially the case when it comes to freelance writing. We think that because we're sitting at our desks for hours a day that we can't hurt ourselves or even put ourselves in a position to be injured – this is far from the case. Because writing day in and day out forces us to type on a desktop computer or laptop for hours a day, we are more susceptible to repetitive motion injuries – like carpal tunnel syndrome. But the good news is that we can prevent these aches and pains from become chronic conditions.

Choose the Right Chair

When you're setting up your writing office, it can be tempting to cut corners wherever you can. And certainly, in the beginning, this is a good idea. As your business takes off and you begin to spend even more time at your desk, you need to have the best equipment possible for your body's alignment. Choose a chair, for example, that allows your arms to rest on your desk at a ninety degree angle. You will also want to find a chair with lumbar support (or a pillow behind your lower back is a cheap way to provide this as well). The chair should be comfortable to sit in, and also have arm rests. This will allow your arms to stay in a fixed position and to stay relaxed. The rests should help your arms stay in line with your keyboard, never pushing your wrists to bend upwards or downwards.

The Keyboard Matters

The good news about technology is that it's always finding new ways to make our bodies more comfortable. Ergonomic keyboards allow us to rest our hands and wrists in a neutral and comfortable position without any work on our part. You can choose between keyboards with wrist support pieces or keyboards that are split down the middle to accommodate the natural differences between the hand positions. While these may take a little getting used to, they provide your wrists with healthy positions that will prevent pain and fatigue. You might want to try out several keyboards before committing to one.

Try Some Extra Support

Whether you are able to purchase a good chair and a smart keyboard or not, it never hurts to 'train' your wrists to stay in a healthy position. You can go to your local drugstore to find wrist supports that can help too. By simply wearing these supports as you type and when you sleep, you will help your wrists begin to sit in the proper position. The more you wear them, the better your wrists' health will be. In time, you might not even need the supports to prevent pain and fatigue, though many writers hang onto these supports for days when they know they'll be pounding their keyboard for extra hours. As a writer for yourself, it is your duty to keep your body in the best shape possible – and that means keeping your wrists free from pain and stiffness. Just as with any job, the income you make is based on the days you can show up to work. With these tips, you can show up to work every morning or night, ready to take on another assignment.