Monday, December 5, 2011

Health + fitness = Rejuvenation of body, mind and soul

At least once a week I find myself suggesting to friends to exercise and/or change their diet in order to manage or control a current issue in their lives. 

While at a party someone overheard me encouraging a recently divorced mother of two to take up running to fight off all the stress in her life.  About an hour later I was approached by the bystander and complimented on my suggestion because instead of fueling her flame of misery or blowing sunshine in her face, I gave her a tangible tool that will help her alleviate some of the problems she is dealing with.  This conversation got me to thinking about all the other benefits that eating power foods and moderate exercise can do for us.

  • Exercise your way to healthier skin:  Peter Jaret from WebMd reports that: By increasing blood flow, exercise helps nourish skin cells and keep them vital. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to working cells throughout the body, including the skin, helping to flush away the waste and free radicals.
  • Build healthy bones and joints: Weight-bearing exercise is beneficial because it applies tension to muscle and bone forcing the body to increase its bone density. This reduces the risk of fractures by improving muscle strength and balance.
  • Protect your brain:  Researchers have concluded that through exercise blood delivers nutrients and oxygen to the brain increasing cognitive function.  This means you learn faster, think clearer and remember more.
  • Give your soul some wings:  Exercise increases production of your endorphins, which make you feel good.  By improving your mood, you will enjoy the side benefits of more self-confidence, optimism and the physical and mental ability to better manage whatever problems may come your way.

Life will present you with a variety of difficulties but if you maintain a healthy body and mind you may enjoy better results if you tackle them feeling stronger, confident and optimistic.  

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