Staying Tough in Tough Economic Times

You can't turn on the news without hearing about lay-offs, foreclosures and the plummeting stock market. You may even be experiencing these financial calamities first hand and know the stress and fear that being in this position can bring.

It is especially during these times that I recommend sticking with your exercise program. Now more than ever you need to discipline yourself to keep training. Stress, as you know, can bring with it a number of serious health problems, both physically and mentally. It's the one thing you must address immediately, or the results could be devastating.

Sticking to your training schedule has many benefits. You need to look and feel good to preserve your confidence and self-esteem. You need a physical outlet for your stress or you risk turning elsewhere for relief. For example, a response to the stress of today's economy may be to use alcohol or food for comfort. While in the short term these substances may soothe our jangled nerves, they have negative long-term repercussions.

Excessive alcohol consumption may lead to a destructive addiction that will only make your current situation worse. Overeating can lead to weight gain, which is not very helpful if you are trying to get a new job and can't fit into those nice interview clothes. Just an extra five or ten pounds may make it impossible to button those pants, not to mention what it does to your self-esteem.

Exercise will help you sleep better and maintain a more positive mental attitude. While this may sound like old worn out advise, it is timeless. When you get enough sleep, your body and mind function much more productively and you can approach your problems from a better perspective. You've heard the expression "why don't you just sleep on it?" Stress release allows the mind to relax and come up with its own solutions.

Training in the martial arts is especially helpful in these tough economic times. Physically, the martial arts curriculum is balanced enough to offer you strength, flexibility and endurance training that will give your overall health a boost. Martial arts instructors often incorporate breathing exercises, which are great stress relievers and bring much needed oxygen to the brain.

Mentally, the martial arts curriculum helps you develop a fighting spirit. Martial arts training will give you the courage you need to get back on your feet again and approach your problems like a warrior. The warrior conquers his fears and goes into battle with confidence. Isn't this what you need to turn things around in your life?

If you are in despair over this economy, it is vital that you take care of your mind and body complex. It is the only vehicle you have to move forward.

Calasanz has been training people of all types of stressful professions for over 30 years. His system of martial arts and fitness improves health and well being.

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