DISQUS

Sean Dent · 6 months ago

Great thoughts.
Amazing concept huh? You can reduce your stress level AND increase your fitness which will in turn improve your overall health and well being.
Funny how that works huh?

Natalia Muska · 6 months ago

Great post and thanks for sharing your thoughts on how fitness impacts your overall life, not just your tummy. I work out anywhere from 8 to 14 hours a week on top of my 40+ hour work week. I'm kind of on the extreme end, but I find among my peers in the running and triathlon community we’re all highly motivated professionals who just like to train and compete outside of the office. After a long day at my desk I can go home and have a glass of wine, or I can hit the track for a speed workout. The workout helps me get centered and I’m better able to handle my difficult work scenarios.

There have been a handful of studies that have proven that individuals who are healthy and fit are more productive employees. They take less sick days, they can manage stress better and they tend to be very good with time management. They also end up costing their employers less money in healthcare costs. For this reason, I’m a huge proponent for wellness plans and I think the more we start focusing on wellness and preemptive care, the healthier we’ll all be in mind, body and spirit.

Working out and eating healthy need to habits you embrace and cherish. It takes about 21 days for a new behavior to become a habit. Starting small and replacing one bad meal or snack with a healthy one will have a lasting impact. The same goes for exercise. Start small. Start by walking the block, then add more when you feel you can and then set a goal you can meet like walking a 5k at the end of three months. Your work life will improve too.

ChangeForge | Ken Stewart · 6 months ago

Natalia, thanks for the feedback and confirmation. I must confess, I gave up the drive for long runs back in my days of the ole USMC! I have found I much prefer the good ole' throw downs we have in Aikido.

To you points though, you hit several nails squarely on the head! I most enjoyed your point regarding staying centered. I just got back from a nice hour and a half work out, and feel energized (soar - but energized). Aside from that, wellness programs are really not focused on nearly as much in this country as I know they once were some 20 years ago... I assume this has to do with many things, but I think the slip in focus on preventative health measures has mirrored some other overall declines as well, but I digress ;-)

Again, thank you for this wonderful feedback!

Warmest Regards,
Ken

kallan · 6 months ago

Kia ora Ken!

I've scattered this one before in the blogosphere. One sure way of avoiding stress is to learn how to say NO.

It's not just a case of saying it. It's important that it is also said carefully and correctly. Turning down an opportunity is one thing, but shutting the door on future chances of opportunity is another - it doesn't exactly reduce stress. Knowing that by saying NO appropriately you are not locking the gate on future options releases stress too.

Catchya later

ChangeForge | Ken Stewart · 6 months ago

Very well said, Ken. I think we often forget that our time is finite and no not realize the end to which our "yes" might take us in the moment of commitment.

Warmest Regards,
K

hip hop fashion · 3 months ago

Great topic and nice words to lighten us up.. Stress is really a big problem especially to those people who are always busy.. It is a must that you need to find time to relax and enjoy life..

Trance · 3 months ago

You are right having all this work really makes stress and forgot the time to relax and have an exercise. Even for a little I don't exercise my self to sweat. Your topic is very interesting this reminds me that I have to take an exercise daily.