Often when overwhelmed, stressed or just plain tired and over it, we seek out stuff that provides comfort.  Usually this involves things that fall under that classic term, ‘instant gratification.’  Unfortunately, healthier choices such as exercising tend to go right out the proverbial window depending on how tough our day is (as do most other choices that require will and effort).  For example: Tough day at work?  Haagen Dazs to the rescue.  Awkward exchange with your mother-in-law?  I think I’ll watch this Friends marathon for the next four hours. 

 While these choices provide some degree of comfort, they don’t do much in terms of helping us move forward in our lives.  In fact, more often than not, they end up being a step backward.  Of course, we are all human and a little instant gratification here and there may be necessary and even a bit of a good thing for our wellbeing.  However, when it turns into a habit, chasing comfort and instant gratification can become a difficult problem to deal with. 

 What initially may feel good and cause some relief from the burdens of our day, may, down the road, add to our stress and anxiety rather than help diminish them.  Ice cream and television are great on a rainy, stress-filled day, but as a method to consistently chase stress and the blues away it is actually counter-productive to our wellbeing.   Often the harder choices, the one’s that require a bit more discipline, are, ultimately, more beneficial to us than the easier choices.     

 When we discuss health and wellbeing we are not just focusing on breaking a sweat and looking good, we are trying to emphasize that diet and consistent exercise are crucial for maintaining a positive outlook toward life even with all the obstacles it throws our way.  When we consistently workout stress becomes more manageable.  Anxiety is reduced.  Our energy skyrockets.  The dull clouds of depression disappear.   So next time you think a stressful day has you beat, don’t be helpless, fight back!  Instead of reaching for the refrigerator door reach for a kettlebell instead.  Try it and tell me what you think!