Twice a week I join up with my HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) group and sword fight. My wife and I participated with group sparing yesterday. It is a wonderful group of peeps.

We all live very stressful lives. Stresses come in the form of phone calls, getting cut off in traffic, and angry outbursts from people around us. These short bursts of stress act like a bear chasing you through the woods. Every time that “fight or flight” signal kicks in, it is the physiological equivalent of eating a donut. Literally.

If you don’t already, you need a physical release valve. You must have a physical outlet 3-6 days per week to burn off the accumulating adrenalin and cortisol or your anxiety, depression and fatigue will overwhelm you. Research shows that progressive repetitive daily bouts of stress that aren’t physically dissipated leads to weight gain, anxiety and depression.

(After 50 years, I’ve finally figured out how to relax . . .)