It's a good thing that I was told from a very young age that life isn't fair.
Lately, the universe has thrown a giant heap of crap on some of the people closest to me. I'm not going to share the details, but I'm maxed out on all fronts. For the last 3 months I've been juggling work, home, & study responsibilities all while carrying a ton of worry with me. I worry over things that I think I have influence over, but mostly over things beyond my control. How many of us do this routinely?
You know what? All of that worrying is making me sick. After 3 separate weird illnesses, I finally figured out that worrying is taking a toll on my health.
I don't sleep enough, I don't eat as healthy as usual, & I haven't had the energy to workout like I normally do. In the past, exercise has always been an amazing coping mechanism for me. Post-breakup(s) I found solace in the gym or running in the evening. When my family moved out of state, I formed great friendships while hiking. Bad news? I'd go for a run & think things over. As a student I relieved stress by climbing stairs on my lunch break. Fitness has always been a reliable method for me to turn negative energy into something positive. Why wouldn't I rely on it now?
This morning I uncharacteristically woke an hour early (on purpose) and worked out. I wasn't excited & may have cussed a little, but for the rest of the day I felt great. Do I still have all of the concerns and worries I mentioned? Of course, but when I make time to take care of myself, I am better equipped to handle what's coming my way, good or bad.
How has fitness helped you in ways other than looking better in your clothes or feeling stronger?
Quick Stress-Busting Workout
2-4 rounds (1 round = 100 reps)
If you want to increase the intensity, add more rounds, jump rope, or convert the workout to HIIT (set your timer for 10 sec rest/50 sec work for 15 rounds = 15 min workout). Make sure to warm-up & cool-down!
20 per leg: 1-leg side step up to bench/stair/ledge + opposite side leg lift
I held a 10# kettle ball on the same side I stepped up with
(beginners - omit the kettleball)
20 Decline bench push-ups (feet on a bench)
(beginners - do regular push-ups)
20 Crab toe touches
20 Kettleball or sandbag swings (2-handed)
(beginners - do regular squats)
Image Source: http://www.thequotefactory.com/irep/en/7/71QG12IB80H4Q_152QO6G_IL_L_LS.jpg
Workout originally posted for moveeatlivewell.com in April 2012.
