Red Deer Life - May 25, 06

Just the other day I was traveling from the gym to my store for another day of work. I was running to the wire in terms of being on time, not uncommon in my life these days. I am sure many of you feel the same, there is never enough time. Making my way through the maze of traffic, with everyone driving too slowly, I was only a couple blocks away. The car in front of me was holding me up and the lane to the left was clear, a quick look and away I went. Beep! I look up in the rearview to see a rather unhappy individual. I had just unknowingly cut someone off and made a new friend of sorts. The light by my store, my final turn, were red. I looked over to give a wave of apology to be met with a glare of disgust; at least there was no sign language.

This situation made me laugh and think how if I had been that driver how I would have been instantly angry as well. I am not an angry person and don't think I have a temper problem, but I would have been mad from the stress of almost being in an accident while I was already running late. I know by now you are wondering what this has to do with health or fitness.

We are all under a lot of stress. The stress caused by a busy lifestyle, in a booming economy, a fast growing city, a time where we are all constantly on the run. An article I recently read cited that 7 of the top 10 prescription drugs sold in the world are anti-depressants or anti-ulcer drugs, both often prescribed in the treatment of excessive stress. It went on to state that 75-90% of all doctor visits in America are for problems with or related to stress. Perhaps one of the ways we might take a huge weight off our failing health care system might be to simply learn how to better deal with stress.

Exercise is one of the best known ways to alleviate stress. Cardiovascular exercise strengthens the heart and blood vessels and decreases the chance of developing high blood pressure or heart conditions. In addition exercise provides an outlet for emotions, a way to release negativity and re-centre yourself. Exercise causes chemical changes in the body and the brain. Regular exercise lowers our body's response to stress and the related release of adrenal hormones. In addition we feel the release of endorphins which are both natural pain killers and lift our mood.

This column is a good example of how exercise can be a stress relief and energizer. Since my encounter on the streets the other day I have been thinking about how I wanted to write about stress. Tonight when I came home I knew I needed to get my workout done, I had already put it off from last night. I felt so tired and very nearly skipped it again. I had to remind myself that no matter how tired I was it feels great once I get going. I had one of the best workouts tonight I've had in weeks and the result was the inspiration to share my thoughts on stress with you.

I'm ready to hurry to work tomorrow and face the obstacles of the day. I will do my best not to get angry in traffic and eliminate stress where I can. You might want to do the same. And to the fellow in the car behind me from the other morning, my apologies!