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Stressed 'til I Can't Take it Anymore!
Dear Tony,
What can I say. I separated from my husband last year, the divorce was final in December, in January he married in some young thing he met on the internet and now lives across town from me with her three children. He barely sees our child, who is 12 and acting out his rage. He has been expended from school for fighting and his grades are barely passing. My company laid me off last month. I’m frustrated and anxious. I feel out of control. As you can imagine, my health has suffered and bodyweight increased.
I know I need to go back to the gym, but will it have any positive effects on my high level of stress?
Wendy D., Plano, Texas |
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Dear Wendy:
Exercise definitely helps to relieve stress. Stress produces many chemical changes in your body which are contributing to your weight gain. Strenuous exercise has proven to boost your mood--maybe it’s the endorphins, or just the feeling of accomplishment--and will also help you sleep better.
Aerobic exercise is good in a class format that may introduce you to other women with if not similar problems, at least a willing ear to listen. Strength training programs will help to empower you. Work with a trainer at a gym and push yourself--you’ll find the increases in strength and energy also impart a strong sense of how very much you are still in control of your body and your life.
Yoga has been shown to help reduce anger, confusion, tension and depression. Some studies show that tai chi and brisk walking have similar stress-reduction benefits.
Hang in there, and keep your personal health a top priority in order to help you help your son through these trying times.
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Ask Tony articles are reprinted by permission of Ms. Fitness magazine at P.O. Box 2490, White City, OR 97503. Ms. Fitness® is a registered trademark of Wally Boyko Productions, Inc., in the USA, Canada, European Union and other countries. All rights reserved. Wally Boyko Productions, Inc. P.O. Box 2490 White City, OR 97503 USA 1.541.830.0400 |
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