Needed: One Personal Trainer

Baloney.

Exercise releases endorphins. Endorphins make you feel better emotionally. Two birds: One stone. You do not need someone to plan it for you (and charge you for the privilege).

Sweatin' to the Oldies?

Only if you like the hairdo, striped shorts and that voice. Otherwise, think about more calming exercise.

• Yoga
• Pilates
• Stretching
• Walking
• Dancing (!!!)

Yes, dancing. Even if you are just playing the radio and gigging in the kitchen, the music and the movement will make you feel good.

Walking will help you pound out some confusion and help keep you in good heart health.

Stretching, Pilates and yoga will stretch the stress from your muscles.

Kicking It Up

Have you reached the point where you are seriously considering finding a bell tower? You need some more physical ideas.

• Tennis
• Batting Cage
• Driving Golf Balls
• (Kick) Boxing or Tae Bo
• Jogging or Running

The first four have something in common: Hitting. This particular physical release will do dual duty for you. You are producing a vat of endorphins and channeling your anger/frustration out of your body. You are striking out against your own pain.

Jogging and running are great cardio exercises. The feeling of your own heart beating in your chest is a physical manifestation you still have life. It dispels the tacit assumption you subconsciously made about your life being over.

Rocky Road or Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough?

Just tuck the carton in your pants...that is where it is going. Your diet better look just like the new nutritional pyramid.

Most importantly, it needs to begin with breakfast. No, you do not need a recipe for eggs Benedict (Although if you are out, you may as well order them.). Whether it is a plate of leftover dinner, a bowl of healthy cereal or fruit salad with a yogurt, fill your tank before you start the marathon the day will bring.

What good is a Lamborghini when it has no fuel?

Surfing

Whether channel or Internet, remember what your grandmother told your mother: Nothing good happens after midnight.

Mothers learn to sleep when their babies sleep. With a sick spouse, you have to do the same thing. Your body needs the sleep to re-balance dopamine and serotonin, brain chemicals needed for sanity.

Is the Lamborghini any better with a dead battery?

Pay Before you Pump

Before you can do any good for your spouse, you have to be in condition to care appropriately. This takes not only physical strength but also mental health. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your spouse.

Stay Strong,
Ann Marie

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