Taking Care of Yourself (Part 1)

The will be a series that is designed to remind us what we can do to identify and minimize risk factors in our life.

Self-defense is an approach to life in which you consistently assessing risks and using planned actions to eliminate or minimize those risks. In this context, I’m going to throw out an idea that I’m working on myself

What kind of exercising are you getting? Many of us during the covid crisis, did not treat our bodies properly. I know my hardcore workout routine disappeared. I am currently attacking my “covid” body to regain the physical condition I had before and better.

But why is exercise important? Research shows that it tends to make us happier. With the isolation created during the covid crisis, depression dramatically increased. At the time of this writing, the lockdowns that wrecked havoc on the world financially, and emotionally are not a thing. Hopefully it remains that way. But if even if lockdowns resume, we need to take better care of ourselves. Working out – even just a body weight only workout like a prisoner’s workout or some other body weight workout – will make a big difference.

In addition to making us happier, exercise also helps us lose unwanted weight. A by-product of losing unwanted weight is increased confidence. Exercise is also good for your muscle and bones. And if you include a cardio vascular workout – running in place, or burpees – is is also good for your heart.

Exercise helps increase energy levels ass well as your brain function and memory. It also helps manage stress.

This is not a comprehensive list of the benefits of exercising, but it is something I strongly recommend. If we do find the world locked down again, it is a way to help us manage our stress and overall heath. It even gives us something to do other than watch TV.

There has been a meme floating around showing a picture of people at the gun range, another picture of someone working out, and yet another picture of someone training in the martial arts. The caption on the meme says if you are not doing all of them, you are doing it wrong.

If serious about assessing risk and taking appropriate actions, then include exercise 2 to 3 times week (or more) into your life. There are programs available all over the internet. Beachbody has an entire streaming library. Start by taking a self-inventory of where you are, and start. Find a workout buddy to hold you accountable. If I the midst of another lockdown, post your workout on social media or find someone to hold you accountable to keeping your routine going. And if you get off the workout wagon, just get back on as soon as you can. As long as you are above ground, you still have a chance.

Let’s all avoid resembling the passengers on the escape pod on the movie WALL-E.