Signing Savvy, Your Sign Language Resource

We as interpreters are notorious for not taking care of our bodies. We see lots of Repetitive Motion Injury among colleagues. We spend a lot of time in our cars. We may develop unhealthy habits (eating fast food or a lack of exercise). In a profession where the primary focus is other people, we need to keep ourselves healthy.

Here are 6 tips for how Interpreters can stay healthy:

1. Make Priorities

• Learn to say no to things.
• Take time out of your schedule for yourself.
• Use a calendar, such as Google Calendar, to plan ahead.

2. Stay Rested

• Regular sleep. Set a bedtime.
• Take catnaps.
• Take time to clear your head (ex: meditate for 15 minutes).

3. Eat Smarter

• Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.
• Drink lots of water.
• Pack your lunch.
• Keep healthy snacks in your car or bag.
• Carry a water bottle.
• Take a multi-vitamin daily.

4. Stay Active

• Sign up for an exercise class or a race.
• Go for a walk. Or better yet take your dog for a walk.
• Join a gym.
• Do stretching exercises before you interpret.

5. Be Social

• Keep in touch with friends.
• Meet a friend for coffee (or a smoothie) every week.
• Spend time with family.

6. Be Mindful

• Read for pleasure.
• Listen to music.
• Keep a journal.
• Volunteer somewhere, anywhere.

We regularly help others as part of our job, but in order to be truly effective we need to take care of ourselves. Adopting these strategies will help you be healthier, happier, and more balanced.