5 Ways to be More Resiliant

Image via Wikipedia Lets face it, life is full of stresses and difficulties. Its not easy to make it from one day to the next without some sort of stressful situation rearing its ugly head.

If you don't learn to handle stress in a positive way, you increase your chances of suffering from all manner of health problems - anything from heart disease, and obesity to anxiety, depression and infection. Not to mention the fact that you probably aren't much fun to be around!!

1. Exercise
Nothing beats working up a sweat for helping beat stress! And keeping yourself fit and healthy helps your body counteract the effects of stress.

2. Dwell on the Positives
Take the time to remind yourself of the good stuff you have going on in your life - and remember to include your own skills and positive qualities. Don't let negative self-talk take over. Make a point of not saying anything to yourself that you wouldn't say to your kids (or your mother, or dog . . . )

3. Be More Assertive
Learn to say 'No'. Set boundries and stick to them. Deal with issues before they become problems. In other words, take control of your life.

4. Express Yourself
Talk about how you feel with a trusted confident or counsellor. Be upfront with people who are adding to your stress (in a polite, respectful way of course!). You don't have to pretend everything is ok!

5. Laugh
Nurture your sense of humour - especially in times of stress. Laughter reduces levels of certain stress hormones, can help boost your immune system and its a pretty good aerobic workout. So go on, have a good giggle!!

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Website Round Up - Get Active

If you need some more ideas or inspiration to get active and get healthy, take a look at these sites . . .

SPARC - Active living
Physical Activity versus Exercise
Active Living at Work
Exercise for Beginners
FoodFitness

How to Start Being More Active

There are 3 main components to a good exercise programme. Cardio training, Strength training and Flexiblity. If you are new to exercise and wanting to lose weight, start with a cardio programme such as walking or swimming and as you progress add a strength training component. Stretches to improve your flexibility should be built in to your warm up and cool down phases to help prevent injury.

If you're not the sporty type, or dread going to the gym don't be put off. Exercise doesn't have to be boring or intimidating. Find something you enjoy doing and do it every day. You could take a dance class, or get down and boogey in the privacy of your own home. You could get out into the garden, take a walk with a friend, indulge your inner child and play with your kids at the park. If you build your exercise routine into your lifestyle, its much easier to make a habit of it.

Most Health Professionals recommend that we get at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily. This can seem a bit daunting if you haven't been very active for a while. If you have been sedentary, start with 5 minutes of your chosen activity and increase the time and the intensity as your fitness improves. Keep a record of your starting fitness level so you have something to look back on to see how far you have come. A fitness diary can be a great motivational tool!

As well as setting aside a specific time each day to exercise, aim to become more active. Take the stairs instead of the lift, instead of phoning or e-mailing your work colleagues walk over to talk with them, park at the back of the supermarket carpark instead of right by the door. . . the more active you can be, the easier you will find it to lose weight.

Before you start any new exercise programme consult your Doctor.

5 Ways to Get More Exercise (without joining a gym)

Do you find it hard to fit the recommended 30 minutes of exercise into your busy day? When you think exercise, do you conjure up images of lycra and expensive gym memberships?

If you answered 'Yes' to either of these questions, then this list is for you!

Exercise is an important component of wellbeing, and for many people a regular exercise routine is a difficult habit to adopt. So here are some quick tips to help you build more activity into your lifestyle.

1. Take the stairs instead of the lift.
Not only are you getting a good cardio workout, you're also toning your glutes and thighs.

2. Go for a walk with a friend
Instead of catching up over coffee, try going for a walk instead. You should still be able to just comfortably hold a conversation when you are exercising at a moderate intensity. A workout buddy is a great way to stay motivated to exercise.

3. Play in the park with your kids
Go on, have fun! Take a ball or a frisbee. Play catch, play tag, climb on the bars, indulge your inner child. Your kidswill love it and so will your body!

4. Park at the back of the carpark
Don't fight with everyone else for those parks closest to the supermarket door. There are always plenty of parks at the back of the carpark. Go for one of those and get your shopping off to a less stressful start and get some exercise at the same time!

5. Dance
Turn up the music, get down and boogey! On your own, with your significant other, or your kids . . . get moving! That's right, exercise can be FUN!!

Got any other ideas? Leave a comment, we'd love to hear from you!!