Keeping Fit is A Daily Battle

Very neurotic men die sooner than those who mellow down.

People with a heavy dose of neuroticism do not handle stress well, and are often anxious and moody. Such negativity has been linked to increased mortality in a number of studies headed by Purdue University psychologist Daniel Mroczek.

In the study by Dr. Mroczek, those who increased over time in neuroticism was a ticket to an early grave. In other words, these men–all middle age or older to begin with–did not grow old gracefully. They likely got more and more stressed, worried or fretful, and this downward spiral increased their risk for dying, mostly from cancer and heart disease.

The good news is that men with a fretful temperament, if they managed for whatever reason to calm down a bit over time and handled stress well, had survival rates similar to those of emotionally stable men.

What can be advised to all of us then: Be cool!

Here are some tips to stay cool and how to handle stress:

1. Give yourself a break. Remember to take time out for family, fun and relaxation. All work and no play makes Jack a neurotic man, and die younger

2. Eat healthy food, exercise, and get plenty of sleep. It helps to workout and exercise, not only physically but also emotionally. I find myself being in a relaxed state of mind, while running in perspiration. Science has proven the release of the “relaxing” hormones like endorphins during exercise.

Fitness machines. Learn More.

3. Talk things out. If you’re worried or under pressure, share it with a close friend, family member, professional counsellor, or clergy man.

4. Set realistic goals for your life, and watch how you will spend your resources. Live within your means. Sometimes money matters and overspending keeps the stress level too high.

5. Do something for someone else; it will help get your mind off your own troubles. Volunteer around the house or in the community.

6. Learn new skills, just like painting, or even blogging! Keep your mind stimulated and active. It helps me de-stress by writing this blog about stress.