Written by Joe Garcia
Survival of the Fittest (Stress Management During a Recession) – Part Two
1.??? Turn off the News. Try “Batching Out” your media once a week
We are all guilty of it; watching, reading and listening to unhealthy amounts of television and other media formats. We live in an age where the internet, Palm Pilots, iPhones, laptops, and various other forms of technology allow us to connect easily and instantaneously, wherever and whenever we desire. We immerse ourselves in the unfortunate day-to-day downturn in our economic and financial struggles with a simple swipe of a finger, at any and every given moment.
So, just how much TV does the average American watch?
According to Veronis Suhler Stevenson’s Communications Industry Forecast and Report, quoted by the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2003, the average American spent 1,745 hours watching television.? This works out to 145 hours a month. That’s more than six complete days in front of the TV each month.
Fact:
80% of studies associated with unhealthy behaviors linked too much media exposure to depression, obesity, and other unhealthy habits and/or diseases.
So, in a sense, it is true; T.V. will rot your brain. That’s scary. Six complete days in front of the T.V.!!! Now, let’s think about the content you are watching. Killings, economic turmoil, war, joblessness, housing market crashes, etc., the list goes on and on. Wondering why you feel bad, stressed, paranoid, without hope? Feeling like you are just trying to survive? Not knowing if things are ever going to get better? Hmmm, I wonder why?
Try finding something positive on television.? THAT will stress you out!
Here it is people, the challenge of the week: TURN OFF THE TV and try getting your news at the end or 
beginning of the week. Trust me, you won’t miss a thing. Fill your new found “week” of mindless, negative input with something positive and rewarding. Be creative, or simply catch up on much needed rest. Play with the kids, get a workout, or just keep reading and try out one of my ten ways to manage stress. Unplug yourself this week and (hopefully) notice a change!
Be part of a “movement” and visit this site today!
2.??? Take a hike, buddy!!
When’s the last time you took a hike or just stopped and smelled the roses? Seriously, we have over 44,000 hiking trails in the United States and 1,000 or more of those trails happen to be right here in California. Southern California is known for it’s beautiful, scenic hikes. We have over 50 of them right here in our backyard, in and around the San Fernando Valley. So, if you have never taken a hike, plan one with a friend soon or come along with our Arena Hiking Group. Log onto our website at www.arenafitness.com and sign up for our newsletter for updates on when and where our next hiking event is scheduled. Try something new and take time out of your day to smell the roses. There is a big world out there outside of CNN that is not getting enough attention. It’s called Mother Nature.
Great sites to find a trail near you:
www.trails.com
www.latrails.com
www.active.com
Joe Garcia is the owner of Arena Fitness in Encino, California.
