How Important is Sleep to Your Body?

I must confess that sleeping is one of my favorite things to do.  However, it was not always this way for me. When I was younger, I found it quite difficult to catch those Zs, as I thought it was a waste of time. But when I turned 18, everything changed. I began training with weights six days a week, played all kinds of sports, had a full-time job and went to school. It was because of my busy lifestyle that I found a new appreciation for my bed. Sleep is perhaps best described as the loss of awareness of what is going on around us. Public awareness of fitness and nutrition has grown over the last few years but sadly, little is known about the very important subject of sleep deprivation. Studies show that those who suffer from sleep deprivation have a reduced ability to handle stress, poor concentration and memory, slower reflexes, difficulty accomplishing tasks and diminished enjoyment of relationships. Though many people think that the human body will be okay with just three to four hours of sleep, the fact is that while sleep requirements are greatly individualized, the majority of people require seven or eight hours to function optimally. Getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night is a proven way to improve workout performance and radically improve your physique development efforts. Another very important fact about sleep is that it repairs your muscles, which guarantees a better and stronger physique. So the next time you are thinking about neglecting sleep, think again. Your body and mind will be glad that you did.  ...

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The Importance of Stress Management

I am sure you have heard this many times before, but having too much stress in your life is just not good for you! Too much stress can affect your physical and mental well-being, and also cause difficulties with concentration and mood. Who wants that? Certainly not me, and I’m sure you don’t either. Unfortunately, stress has become a normal part of our everyday lives, and the first step towards dealing with it is being aware of it. There are several ways to manage stress and bring balance into your life. Here are just a few suggestions: Make time for yourself. Find something you really enjoy and pursue it. Whether it’s cooking, reading, bike riding or exercising,  find something you are passionate about and stick with it! Spend time with friends and family. This will certainly re-energize you and ease the tension of stress. Surrounding yourself with people that make you happy can relieve stress and increase your sense of motivation. Donate your time to a good cause. Volunteering for a charity organization is a valuable way to give back, and will not only make you feel good, but will also bring a new perspective to your life. Many people are in need today. Share your time and you will be rewarded. Adopt a pet. Animals can reduce loneliness and can be a great source of companionship. Taking care of a pet can also be a great way to increase your happiness and self-confidence. Even though stress affects all us in some way, we all cope with it differently. In order to keep ourselves healthy, it’s important that we recognize when we’re stressed and find ways to deal with it sooner rather than later....

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