We all know that yoga improves flexibility, strength, and posture. We know that running, biking, and swimming are good for cardiovascular health. But the people who don't do these things, perhaps they think these physical benefits are the only reason to engage in sports. If so, they're missing out on what many of us consider the major benefit:
- Both yoga and the more vigorous sports relieve stress, and take us out of our thoughts and worries of the moment.
The past few days have been hard for many of us. In addition to the usual stress of juggling work, family, and social commitments, besides the usual conflicts and frustrations of traffic, health issues, and paying the bills, there's the terrible news out of Japan, which seems to just keep getting worse.
On a much smaller but maybe more personal scale, there's the shocking death of Jayna Murray at the Lululemon store at Bethesda MD.
Yoga and sports won't solve the Fukushima nuclear reactor problems or bring Jayna Murray back to life. But as the bad news piles up about earthquake deaths and radioactive levels, are you finding time to practice yoga, to at least do some stretches? When the tension mounts, do you try harder than usual to make sure you walk your dog or get that lunchtime run?
Share how you're coping with the stress. Thanks.
Share how you're coping with the stress. Thanks.
So true. I have a lot of friends in Japan so the news last Fri. was worrisome and upsetting. Fortunately I was able to take some time off from work that day and swim for 75 minutes at the local public pool. It helped.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more Wendy. Sometimes in life it is difficult to find time to exercise but it is so important for a quality and healthy life. Our hearts go out to those in need and makes me feel so fortunate to have my health and ability to exercise.
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