How do we stay well now that we're socializing online?

It wasn't that long ago that connecting with other moms meant a trip to the park, a playdate, or a coffee out... all of which meant some level of exercise, dressing up and hygiene. But now that we spend many glorious hours (ok maybe not everyone is as addicted as me) chatting to our new friends on twitter, twittermoms, facebook, blogs, etc... we can get our support, friendship and laughs without the latest fall fashions, without styling our hair... even without brushing our teeth or getting out of bed if we really wanted.

But what does that mean for our overall wellness? How do we stay healthy and fit if we're spending hours each day working at a computer, a couple more hours shopping on the computer and now even more hours socializing online?

Stretch

An oldie but a goodie. Maybe those old fashioned workstation ergonomics diagrams and stretches no longer apply now that we're lying on the coach with our laptop, but the principals are still valid. Try not to sit in one position for too long, stretch regularly and don't put undue strain on your muscles, joints or circulation.

Look away

Not only do we need to look away from the screen every so often (or even follow those rigorous eye exercises), but we need to turn off the social networks sometimes (*gasp!*)... Our online buddies will still be there after we've smelled the roses, listened to the birds, touched another human being, or slept a good night's sleep. After all, don't we have to have real experiences in the real world to be able to blog/comment/twitter about them?


Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

If we wouldn't eat a box of doughnuts in front of our real-life friends we have to try to resist the temptation to do so while with our e-friends as well. There are so many online food journaling sites and diet support groups out there (and in here at Twittermoms) now, we shouldn't have to hide behind that 2 yr-old head shot or cartoon avatar anymore.

Besides, eating well (including lots of fiber) and drinking enough will, at the very least get us going (how many calories does walking to the bathroom burn?).

Get Moving

Thanks to new technology we don't have to be stationary socializers anymore... cellphones, laptops, blackberries and the myriad of applications that go with them mean we can now twitter on the treadmill, facebook on the yoga mat and even blog during a jog.

Any other suggestions? thoughts?