Stress!

The stress is not new, but the research is.
by Andrew and Emma Nelson
www.getfitnyc.com
andy@getfitnyc.com

A short piece on STRESS and the human body.

According to information put forth in advertisements for certain “fat busting” pills, cortisol is the major cause of fat retention during prolonged stress. Although cortisol may be the cause, how you deal with the stress should be the primary line of defense against the unfortunate belly bulge; as well as other health damaging effects of high stress.

Prolonged daily psychological stress has both positive and negative effects on the body. The positive effects are an adaptation to short term stress and the "fight or flight" response. The long term deleterious effects are cardiac stress, memory loss, erratic mood swings, decreased sex drive, and weight gain. However it is simple to combat these effects with regular exercise and social support. I'm sure you won't see a bunch of traders getting together on a Monday afternoon to discuss their feelings, but a few miles of running will probably work just as well.

Daily exercise for the chronically stressed can help to dull the effects of chronic stress; and
in these markets, the stress is definitely chronic. The key is making the exercise consistent. Sporadic and inconsistent exercise just becomes added stress on top of the daily work and life stresses. When the economy takes a downward turn, kids get sick, and traffic is thick, then the need for stress reduction through regular exercise becomes paramount for your daily and long term health.

Here are a few things you can do:

1. Set an appointment to exercise and keep it. Make an exercise appointment with a friend, colleague or family member and be accountable.

2. Walk to and/or from work every day. This simple, regular exercise can clear the mind.

3. Do a workout you get from a magazine or website. This can free your mind from thinking about what you should be doing. Just make sure the workout is from a reputable source.

4. Ride a stationary bike for 30-45 minutes while you read your paper or watch the news. You get a jump on the day and get some exercise.

5. Schedule an appointment with a trainer or take a class at the gym.

6. Take Yoga twice a week. The relaxed breathing will calm the body and mind.

7. Exercise can help with daily stressors; so can a vacation. Take some time to get away and recharge. Try to be active during your next vacation.

Make exercise and physical activity a pleasurable and necessary part of your life.

Please feel free to comment and ask questions.

* http://physrev.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/87/3/873