Are you low on energy? Hard to focus throughout the day? Many chronic illnesses can be attributed to poor sleep. More serious diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, are thought to be directly related to not achieving sufficient recovery during the sleep cycle. Each phase of our day is intimately interconnected with the others. What you do or don’t do during the waking hours will definitely affect the quality of the sleep time. Then the quality of the sleep affects your energy and outlook going into the next day. This can make a never ending cycle that continues until you decide to make it change.
STRESS affects REST!
Mental activity can become stressful when trying to work, solve problems, manage a family, finances and juggling hundreds of other daily tasks. Physical activity, relaxing and enjoyable activities are key components to balancing this daily stress.
A good night’s rest is earned, by what eat, what you think about and what types of physical activity is executed throughout the day.
Study the below graphic to gain a better understanding of the delicate balance between sleep, work and leisure.
Tai Chi, bagauzhang and qigong are all methods of exercise that also embody the philosophy balancing physical exercise with mental engagement to relieve stress and tension, while also increasing the flow of energy ( and blood flow) within the body improving health and well-being.
We don’t find time to exercise or do tasks we don’t thoroughly enjoy doing. Rather we “make time” to enjoy the activities we see the benefit in performing.
We often don’t enjoy cooking but enjoy the flavors, nourishment and sometimes camaraderie that come after the meal prep. Cleaning the house is no fun, but we appreciate not having junk or garbage staying in the house. You get the idea.
Many times, we don’t enjoy the process of exercising, but understand that benefits that follow. For some people, the preparation and time spent getting to the gym, club or studio seems to outweigh the return on investment. Many feel the need to look a certain way or dress in “exercise clothes” and travel to where they can exercise. This can be a lot of work and some expense before even starting the physical exercises to stay healthy.
Think about maybe cutting straight to the task and exercise right in your home, patio, or yard. It really is that simple. And you can get a cardio, aerobic or anaerobic, strength, flexibility, balance, and stress relieving session in minutes instead of hours. Exercise smarter, not harder.
If you need help in getting started, contact me or try some of my free online classes on this page or my other websites.
Currently, many of us seem to have a lot of extra time on our hands. But we often talk ourselves out of doing things we know need to be done. It is that way. Part of being human is being lazy.
Come on let’s face it, we do often try to find the route of least resistance. We sit when we can stand. We drive when we can walk. We take the elevator instead the stairs. Some even complain they have no time to take care of themselves, but can find time to watch television and check their smartphone throughout the whole day.
My solution to this part of the human condition, is to take baby steps. That’s it! A minute or two, here and there add up throughout your day. Once you get moving it seems easier to keep moving a while longer.
Sir Isaac Newton proposed his First Law of Motion, the law of inertia, in 1687: A body at rest tends to remain at rest. A body in motion tends to stay in motion. Bodies will continue in their current state, whether at rest or in motion, unless acted on by a greater outside force.
Let me know if you need help getting started. I have much information and online classes here and at my other sites.
If you have never driven a car, how do you know if you can actually get it moving and then navigate safely?
If you have never had to fix a flat tire, how do you do it when no one is around and you are stuck in the middle of nowhere?
So how does someone defend themselves or their loved ones, if they have never been in a dangerous situation?
Well, you can learn how to ahead of time so you can be prepared. Or wait and figure it out as you go.
Have you every heard “failing to prepare” vs. “prepare to fail”?
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Topics will include:
– Basic defense skills against be grabbed, touched, punched, etc.
– Anatomy relative to “pressure points” or key body parts to defend or attack if necessary.
– Situational awareness relative to options before and after someone finds themselves in a potentially dangerous and life changing event.
– Balance, coordination and strength exercises to develop self-esteem and confidence that one does not need to be a victim or rely upon others for their own personal safety.
If every person in American spent 5 minutes (or more) every day by exercising, more people could better manage their weight and suffer less from related illnesses.
If every person in American spent 5 minutes (or more) every day calming their mind by practicing deep breathing exercises, more people would be less stressed and suffer less from related illnesses.
If every person in American spent every day becoming more conscious of their nutrition habits, more people would be able to maintain their health through the choices they make while eating and drinking, and suffer less from related illnesses.
If everyone could assume personal responsibility for their own health, our nation would not have to spend as much time, effort, energy and money trying to keep people healthy.
These concepts seem easy enough, but in reality, most people lack the desire or self-discipline to take the effort and do what it takes to stay healthy, prevent illness or cure their own ailments. Self-discipline is one of five steps known to help achieve better mental and physical wellness.
1) Respect – This is where values begin. You must understand and have respect for yourself (self-respect) before you can demonstrate it to others. Taking the steps to take care of your physical and mental well-being effects you first and then those closest to you second.
2) Discipline – Developing control of one’s own desires, commitments, and ultimately your own actions, leads to self-discipline. Control of physical exercises can lead to management of thought and emotion.
3) Self-Esteem – As you review your achievements of respect and discipline, your sense of worth is elevated and appreciated.
4) Confidence – Understanding and accepting your weak areas as well as your stronger aspects removes insecurity. When you feel that you are physically well and mentally sharp, confidence can fill your personality. You can accomplish whatever goal you set out to achieve.
5) Determination to Achieve Goals – The positive sum of the previous aspects leads to one’s determination. Good judgment and focused effort toward positive goals result in true personal success.
Qigong, Tai Chi and Yoga all are methods to achieve these traits.
It doesn’t matter so much that you do these exercises, as much as it matters that you do some type of exercise. Walk, jog, swim or whatever – just get going and do something. 5 minutes here and there can quickly turn into 15 or 30 minutes at one time or over the course of a day. Once you are moving or mentally engaged, it is much easier to stay motivated and try a few more exercises for a few more minutes.
Jim Moltzan has been teaching Qigong, Tai Chi, Taoist Yoga, martial arts and various other alternative methods of fitness for over 35 years. He also offers classes on Mondays & Fridays at the Winter Park Presbyterian Church. He is also available for Group or Private lessons and lectures/seminars.
United Martial Arts Association 