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If you are stressed from the economic downturn, and who isn’t, start an exercise program.  This does not mean going out to a gym.  In fact, this is the time of year to beware of gym memberships.  Don’t waste your money.  Save it, at least until you are sure you are committed to an exercise plan.

Do not wait until January 2nd to begin.  Do it now.  Start walking or riding your bike.  Do something.  But, get started. 

Most of us get pretty stressed this time of year even on a good year.  But, with the economic stresses that are reaching into every home this year, there is definitely no better time to begin exercising.  Getting started will be the hardest part.  That brings us to the theory of inertia.  Simply put, things at rest have a tendency to stay at rest.  Things in motion have a tendency to stay in motion.  It is time to develop a habit of motion.

As stress mounts, most of us have the tendency to sit and worry.  We have discussed worry.  However, if you find yourself sitting and staring into space, get up.  Do something!  Anything!  Exercise is a great place to start.  You don’t have to do a lot.  But, do enough to get the blood flowing.

Several of the ladies in our neighborhood go for a walk each day.  At first we didn’t walk briskly.  We more or less strolled.  However, even a stroll is movement and the blood did begin to flow, not to mention the benefits of fresh air. 

Everyone knows that exercise has many benefits.  If you are wanting to lose weight, exercise is a must.  If you want to maintain physical health, exercise is a must.  If you want to maintain good mental health, exercise is a must. 

Stress causes most of us to put on weight.  I won’t go into the particulars, but it isn’t only about eating comfort foods.  When we are stressed, our bodies begin to add fat around the middle section.  I have read that it is a primal thing, but regardless of the cause, we have a tendency to gain weight around the mid-section when we are under stress.

Start with five minutes a day.  Use time as your measure at first, not distance.  Walk a few minutes away from home, then walk back.  Get some fresh air.  You will find that you will sleep better at night and that during the day your mind will be much clearer.

There is no need for me to cover all the benefits of exercise.  If you are reading this you already know that there are benefits to getting a good workout.  And whether you have a stated goal of weight loss or building muscle or just accomplishing something you have always wanted to accomplish, the best way to the clear the head is to do some physical exercise.

Try walking five minutes a day for a week or so.  Then, increase the time to ten minutes.  Begin to speed up your pace.  But, there is no truth to that old saying, “no pain, no gain.”  Do what is comfortable for today and the next few days.  You will find with consistency and over time you can do more and more without pain.

This is the time of year when like it or not we become short-tempered and often speak before we think.  That’s odd since this is supposed to be such a happy time of year.  It can be, if you set yourself up for peace and happiness.  The best way to do just that is to take a walk, a good healthy walk.  Clear the cobwebs from the head, and return stress-free.

Give it a try… daily.  If you get in the habit of walking everyday you will feel better about yourself and you will be happier for it.  So, go for a walk.  Go now.  Go ahead.  Get up.  Go for a walk.