These are trying financial times and everyone has a story but now is not the time to slow or stop exercising. It’s the time to do quite the opposite, go a little harder or longer to relieve that stress but remember to stay within your personal fitness limits. Now is not the time to run 5 miles when you haven’t touched your running shoes except to “run” to the grocery store.

Start with a small walk but walk with purpose.

The Mayo Clinic has it exactly right: Rev up your exercise routine to reduce stress.

“Physical activity — whether it’s a relaxing walk, bicycle racing or meditative tai chi — helps relieve stress.
By now, you should know that exercise does your body good. But did you also know that virtually any form of exercise can decrease the production of stress hormones and counteract your body’s natural stress response? It’s true. The same regular exercise routine that helps prevent disease and builds muscle can also help you better manage stress.”

We’re going to make it out of this financial crisis and life will go on. I hope better than ever. I can hope because of my belief in common sense and the spirit of free people to create a better and more prosperous life. I have to believe, because that’s the way I’m wired and I have a five year old child. The world always looks to be filled with opportunity through a five year olds eyes. My eyes aren’t five years old anymore except when I’m wearing my contacts or as my five year old says, wearing my eyeballs.

We have to honestly and charitably work together, collaborate, cooperate and innovate. The three “ates” that mean the most to our success. Success is such a diverse outlook and ending. There’s an interesting book and concept about “ating” called “Hot Spots:”

“When cooperation flourishes at times and places in a company–in “hot spots”–great energy, innovation, productivity, and excitement are the results, says Lynda Gratton in her new book, Hot Spots: Why Some Teams, Workplaces, and Organizations Buzz with Energy–and Others Don’t” or workplaces that pulse with ideas and produce results.”

“Hot spots can be workplaces, teams, departments, companies, factories, hallways, lunchrooms, meetings, conferences–anywhere people are working together in collaborative ways.”

Sorry, got off the beaten path. Exploring my way back to you, now.

Anyway, the weekend weather here in Washington looks great for a long walk and exploring.
Go ahead, clear your mind and body of stress – wherever you are. Where are you and how’s the weather? 

MikeZ – “hand up and hand out but sometimes we must handle ourselves”