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by Dr. Jack Singer
The American Psychological Association (APA) conducts a Stress in America Survey each year. Results show that in 2011, the percentage of Americans feeling extreme stress dropped 10 percent. That’s the good news.
But the bad news is that a significant number of respondents reporting severe stress had no idea that it could actually impact their health. This, despite the widely publicized research for decades that shows that stress is a cause and/or a trigger of many chronic conditions, such as heart disease, allergies, chronic pain, headache syndromes, etc.
The APA cites the astounding statistic that seventy-five percent of health care costs are for chronic illnesses, and stress is often a key cause of those illnesses. The depressed and anxious moods that are caused by stress negatively impact our immune systems and thus make us more vulnerable to physical illnesses.So…if we learn how to master our stress, we have gone a long way to preventing illnesses.
Other than medication, how can stress be minimized or even avoided altogether? My book, “The Teachers’ Ultimate Stress Mastery Guide,” lists 77 stress mastery tips. One that shows tremendous promise is easy to engage but often ignored:
Exercise
We know from decades of research that exercise makes one’s mood elevated, reduces anger, and helps reduce long term depression. Moreover, exercise wards off panic and other anxiety problems.
We also know that exercise prevents or minimizes many physical disorders, such as diabetes, headaches, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, etc. So…why not kill the proverbial two birds with one stone by building a consistent exercise routine into our daily lives? This will undoubtedly add life to your years and years to your life!
Some Recommendations
If you live in the San Diego, CA area, I highly recommend Todd Durkin’s Fitness Quest 10.
Todd Durkin, MA, CSCS, is an internationally recognized performance-enhancement coach, personal trainer, massage therapist, author, and speaker who motivates, educates and inspires people worldwide. He is the founder and creator of Fitness Quest 10 & Todd Durkin Enterprises in San Diego, CA, where his wonderful team focuses on personal training, massage therapy, Pilates, yoga, sports performance training, nutrition, physical therapy, and chiropractic to help transform the bodies, minds and spirits of a broad clientele. He is a 2 Time Personal Trainer of the Year (IDEA & ACE) and has received numerous industry accolades.
Todd trains dozens of NFL and MLB athletes, including Super Bowl XLIV MVP Drew Brees, Super Bowl XLV Aaron Rodgers, former NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson, and athletes such as Kellen Winslow, Shawne Merriman, and a host of others. He currently works with 9 NFL quarterbacks. Additionally, he has trained one Olympic Gold Medalist, an MLB Champion & MVP, two X-Games Gold medalists, 2 Heisman trophy winners, and tens of thousands of other elite and amateur athletes as well as fitness enthusiasts.
There are MANY wonderful fitness professionals on Facebook who willingly share their health and fitness tips and advice. Many of them have very active business pages where you can connect with them and other people who are interested in health and fitness. Look for people like Todd Durkin, Brett Klika, Sean Croxton, Dave Quevedo, Doug Balzarini, Ashley Mahaffey and Trina Gray Fitness.
Go Online
Brett Klika and Sean Croxton created a wonderful e-book called the Underground Workout Manual, complete with videos that allows you to get in a great workout from your computer, iPad or even your mobile phone.
If you are over 40 and struggling with fitness, Shari Fitness has an excellent e-book called Transformation Over 40.
There is a wealth of free and inexpensive health and fitness information on the internet. All you have to do is go find it and then implement a program that works for your particular situation.
Dr. Jack Singer is a licensed Clinical/Consulting Psychologist who works with clients in California via Skype or telephone. Dr. Jack is also a Professional Speaker. His keynotes and re-TREATS are enjoyed by thousands of people in multiple professions, every year. His most popular program is:
“How to Live Much Longer Than Your Kids Hoped You Would!”
You can contact Dr. Jack at 1-800-497-9880 or via email at: drjack @ askdrjack.com.
Visit his websites: