Stressed Out? Then Work Out.

Well here is some real life for you. We have all been stressed. I am stressed. My husband's stressed. My kids, too. Poor wee things. I also think that the world is stressed. Elections, insurance fraud, financial collapses, natural disasters. It's all too much really and the world is suffering. Well, instead of feeling sorry for myself I have decided to take advice from an old doctor. This doctor is of a rare breed. Old school if you will. He was my doctor my whole entire life and actually still is. He is really very good and if you can have a pure and honest doctor for life, I suggest you stick with him or her because it's always good to have a doctor around. So this particular doctor always had this particular set of advice for me my whole entire life, "When you are feeling down or a little sick, go and workout. A good run is good for anything". I followed this advice and did what I was told but what I was seeing around me seemed unfair. My friends got to take bubble gum flavored syrups and chew orange flavored tablets. What did my siblings and I do? Suffer through stuffy noses and sore throats while going out for a walk or run. Truth be told, it always worked.  I am not suggesting that you hit the gym with the sweats and a fever. Please don't actually because you would infect the world and contagious germs should absolutely not be shared. We didn't run for hours or until fatigued while sick. But when we were feeling low, were under educational pressure, or feeling just a bit blah- working out was the natural remedy. Getting your blood moving, heart pumping, and lungs working to capacity somehow enlivens your body and gives you a serious altering affect which has healing affects on the body. This I know from experience alone but if you want to go look it up here for facts you are more than welcome. (Sleep has just as much or more healing capabilities than a workout so be sure to get plenty of this, too.) So, I am absolutely not a doctor but if you are looking for a good all natural way to feel better then get physical. This workout is great at beating stress and may even get you pumped to start your New Year's Resolutions early. Be sure to also drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. Not into working out like Ms. Fit Lady below? Take a walk, do some yoga or go for a swim and then...have a big fat nap. It may just put a smile on your face. I'm smiling just thinking about the nap part.

Workout images courtesy of CNSS & Conde Nast