How to Barrel into RSI, Lose, and Recover

Step 1: Make your work your hobby. Be a writer in and outside of the classroom, and, when you get bored of that, go draw for a while. Do nothing else.

Step 2: Multitask. Start multiple novels alongside your writing-intensive schoolwork. Start a webcomic with your best friend. Agree to be the sole artist on a 2D game design team. Do an Independent Study that requires several stories and a lengthy paper. Work as an editor. Write a 50,000 word novel in thirty days. Volunteer for a club to do weekly art requests.

Step 3: DO NOTHING ELSE. Also, do not stretch, take breaks, or release that pencil. Notice pain but do nothing about it.

Step 4: When the pain is overwhelming, inadvertently take outdated pain medication. Ice your arm.

Step 5: Break down and go see the doctor. Remember that your arm is a muscle too, and even though typing and drawing is not exercise, it actually kind of is.

Step 6: Do nothing for two months. Attempt to become ambidextrous.

Step 7: Attend physical therapy. Learn what the Graston Technique is. Hate it. Liken it to a cheese grater under your skin. Make the therapist laugh.

Step 8: Get out of physical therapy early for good behavior. Work only in fifteen minute intervals.

Step 9: Get an ergonomic keyboard. Never work without a good desk and a chair.

Step 10: Get Dragon Naturally Speaking. Attempt to rework your neurological pathways. Realize that while your writing is good, your eloquence is lacking. 

Step 11: Learn to hate Dragon. Go back to fifteen minute intervals.

Step 12: Actually figure out what Repetitive Stress Injury is. Learn preventative exercises. Exercise daily. Stretch before and after working. Remember to take breaks and to ice after a lengthy period. Start a strength training regimen for your arm.

Alternatively, you could skip steps 2-11. I highly recommend this. As for RSI exercises, here is a fantastic (albeit slightly unnerving) website.