Working out will keep you health–and together.
Right now, just about every couple is in one fashion or another feeling the effects of this economic downturn–on their relationships.
In fact, a Wall Street Journal article [“Recession-Proofing Your Relationship”] points to findings in a recent PayPal survey which shows that the ongoing financial crisis is causing couples to argue more about money and finances.
That should not be a great surprise, considering the level of anxiety most of us are experiencing over the current state of the economy.
The article goes on to emphasize the importance of open communication and problem sharing between couples during this time.
What the article doesn’t point out but is equally important is the effect of all this economic stress on our health and wellbeing during this age of uncertainty. Here are three essential stress busters that are sure to boost your inner calm–and strengthen your relationship…
1. A good diet is essential. It requires the right quantity, quality, and balance of nutrients. Beware of the fact that most diets rarely ever mention our gender differences and how that impacts our dietary needs. By consuming a low-calorie, nutrient –dense, balanced breakfast shake each morning you lessen your burden to eat a perfectly balanced diet throughout the day
For far too long, too many of us have simply ignored the importance of eating right. When we’re under the strain of stressful times eating well is particularly important.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and other important food groups gives you an important advantage in getting healthy and staying healthy.
2. Fitness counts. If there is one area where most of us consistently fall down it is in staying physically fit. For thousands of years staying fit was simply a matter of doing our daily chores. But in the last 150 years as more of our daily work is accomplished by machines, our opportunities to move and do physical labor have steadily diminished. Unfortunately our basic need to do physical work has not changed. So perhaps you’re walking three miles on a treadmill that’s going nowhere, but your body deeply appreciates the movement.
Most important to remember is that physical fitness has been proven time and time again to effectively reduce stress. If you want to be at your best during difficult times, staying fit is a must.
3. Meditation is marvelous. But far too often in our busy lives it is simply forgotten. This is unfortunate because it is when we take the time to meditate that we open our world to the greater possibilities. Much of what is at the root of toxic stress is simply fixating on particular problems that at a given moment in time seem overwhelming. Meditation prevents us from being subjected to the intimidation of the moment. Meditation allows us to discharge and then recharge as described fully in the book Practical Miracles for Mars & Venus. Focus your intention, as suggested in the book, on nine guiding principles: believe as if miracles are possible, live as if you are free to do what you want; learn as if you are a beginner; love as if for the first time; give as if you already have what you need; work as if money doesn’t matter; relax as if everything will be okay; talk to God as if you are being heard; feast as if you can have whatever you want.
We all have a choice to live under a heavy burden of worry and fear or to lift ourselves above daily concerns and see the bigger, and more important picture. As we become stronger and healthier we serve as a source of strength not just for ourselves, but also for all the people who depend upon us.
[...] working in this area of research. We have known for sometime that in the general population that regular physical activity helps to enhance mental acuity. But that could be due to such common factors as improved levels of respiration and blood [...]