Wednesday, November 28, 2012

It is Chilly

Its just so easy to skip your morning run or after dinner walk when its chilly. It requires a lot of motivation to exercise when its cold though exercise prevents stress and anxiety. New research suggests that exercise reduces the severity of cold or flu symptoms by 40% in adults over 50. How can we keep up with exercises when its chilly?

Cover your Head 50% of body heat is lost from the head alone. A warm hat will protect your head. Feet and hands needs protection too. When its cold, blood flows to the centre of the body to keep internal organs warm, leaving extremities vulnerable to frostbite. Wear warm socks to feet and two pairs of gloves to protect hands.

Plan Indoor Activities Rain, snow and wind chills should not stop you from workouts. You could skip the rope, kickbox, work exercise video or walk in the mall.

Stay Hydrated Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after workout even if you are not thirsty. You can become dehydrated in the cold season just like you can during summer workout. The difference is that its harder to notice during cold season.

Dress in Layers Layering helps control body temperature so you can remove or wear the clothes as you need them. Start with a thin bottom made of a synthetic material that draws sweat away from your body (cotton stays wet against your body) then add a layer of fleece and top with a windproof outer layer.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Want to bounce back?

Two people could be facing the same tough situation but have two very different responses to the situation. Anyone can learn to be resilient. Most people are resilient than they think. You just don't know it until you are put to the test.

Factors contributing to bouncing back:

1. optimism
2. social support
3. cognitive strength
4. core value system
5. faith
6. physical fitness
7. facing fears
8. positive role models
9. finding meaning in struggles
10.flexibility

Monday, November 19, 2012

Commitment

The just concluded Presidential elections in the US had me actively glued to the TV and on the electrol college votes maps twice a day for a couple to weeks prior to the elections. That is commitment.  I also realised that my commitment to writing had eroded me so here I return.

The most important single factor in individual success is commitment. Commitment ignites action.  To commit is to pledge yourself to a certain purpose or line of conduct. eg. commitment to school,  paying bills on time, friendships, marriage, religion, cause and we could go on and on. It means practising your beliefs consistently. Two conditions go alongside commitment:  1. a set of beliefs 2. persistence with a purpose.

The saying "stand for something or you will fall for anything" is a fundamental for commitment. Demonstrating commitment is hard work.  It requires determination and persistence.  It requires supporting and improving.  Commitment stands the test of time.

Commitment is proven during tough times. "A captain earns is reputation during the storms". When the finances are low, when competition scores big against you, when the glamour of success wears off, it is easy to compromise your commitment.

Lets stay commited to causes we believe in no matter what!