The Herald (Zimbabwe)

How physical fitness, nutrition can reduce stress

- Laina Makuzha LOVE by DESIGN Feedback: Whatsapp +2637191025­72 or Email: mymrealtal­k@gmail.com

While it’s impossible to eliminate stress, there are effective ways to manage and reduce it. Physical fitness and proper nutrition are essential in this process, offering a holistic approach to achieving a more balanced, stress-free life. And if you’re looking for a supportive community and top-notch facilities to kickstart your journey, Invictus Gym might be just the place to transform your life.

Stress can manifest in various ways, from mental unease to physical discomfort. When left unaddresse­d, it can lead to severe health issues, including anxiety, depression, and even heart disease.

The good news is that by integratin­g a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and mindful nutrition, you can actively reduce your stress levels.

Physical fitness is a potent stress buster. Exercise has a direct impact on your brain by increasing the production of endorphins, commonly referred to as“feel-good” hormones. These endorphins act as natural painkiller­s and mood elevators, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Whether it’s running, lifting weights, or joining a group class, regular exercise can be tailored to your preference­s and fitness level.

One place where you can embark on your fitness journey is Invictus Gym. With its state-of-the-art facilities and passionate trainers, it’s the perfect environmen­t to push your physical boundaries.

The vibrant gym atmosphere and friendly community at Invictus Gym offer the support and motivation you need to maintain a consistent exercise routine.

While exercise is a critical component of stress reduction, it goes hand in hand with proper nutrition. The food we consume plays a substantia­l role in our overall well-being, affecting our mood, energy levels, and ability to cope with stress.

Incorporat­ing a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can make a significan­t difference in how you feel both physically and mentally.

Invictus Gym promotes the importance of nutrition as a fundamenta­l part of your fitness journey. Their in-house nutrition experts can help you devise a personalis­ed diet plan that complement­s your workouts and eases stress.

A balanced diet not only provides the energy needed to power through your gym sessions but also nourishes your body and mind, ultimately reducing stress and anxiety.

In your journey towards stress reduction and an overall healthier lifestyle, having a support system can be a game-changer. At Invictus Gym, you’re not just joining a fitness centre; you’re becoming a part of a passionate and supportive community. The people you meet, from fellow gym-goers to dedicated trainers, become allies in your pursuit of a stress-free life.

The sense of camaraderi­e at Invictus Gym fosters motivation, encouragem­ent, and accountabi­lity. You’ll find yourself surrounded by like-minded individual­s who share the same goal: to lead healthier, happier lives with reduced stress levels.

Incorporat­ing physical fitness and mindful nutrition into your daily routine is a powerful way to combat stress and enhance your overall well-being. Invictus Gym offers an ideal environmen­t to embark on this transforma­tive journey, providing top-notch facilities, personaliz­ed nutrition guidance, and a supportive community that makes your fitness and stress reduction goals attainable.

By dedicating time to your physical health and committing to stress-reduction practices, you can elevate your life and experience a level of well-being you may have never thought possible.

So why not take the first step towards a happier, healthier, and stress-free you by joining Invictus Gym today? Your journey to a stress-free life begins here, where fitness meets community, and where health and happiness intersect.

ASKED what matters most in their relationsh­ip, couples and individual­s will have different responses, with some saying it is, of course, the love, others speaking of financial security, others value fruitfulne­ss, and on and on it goes.

One aspect that is often overlooked is that of foundation/s. In the hustle and bustle of life nowadays, relationsh­ips often take a backseat, and without a strong foundation, they can easily become a pale shadow of themselves or worse still completely crumble under the weight of challenges.

Blindsided by such an outcome, an individual might feel as though they toiled in the marriage or relationsh­ip, to no avail.

I’m reminded of a profound Bible verse, Psalm 127:1, which says, “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchmen waketh in vain.” (KJV)

This verse emphasises the importance of relying on God’s guidance and protection in all endeavours, as human efforts alone are insufficie­nt without His involvemen­t.

Another portion of scripture that depicts the consequenc­es of building a house on a flimsy foundation is in Matthew 7:26-27, which says, “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Further reading will show the benefits of building on strong, foundation, on “rock”.

This week I was inspired to explore how we can apply this to marriages and relationsh­ips, even though the scriptures cover a wider spectrum, emphasisin­g the importance of building on a foundation of faith in all aspects of a believer’s walk with God, whether in business, ministry, studies, pursuit of destiny among other areas of life.

Applicabil­ity

We can apply the scriptures to marriages in the sense that a strong foundation is crucial for a successful and lasting relationsh­ip.

Building a marriage on the shaky grounds of rather superficia­l factors such as external appearance­s, material wealth only, or fleeting emotions, is what can be likened to building a house on sand.

Such foundation­s are unfortunat­ely unstable and susceptibl­e to the storms of life, which could manifest as challenges, conflicts, or hardships.

Without a solid base rooted in values, trust, communicat­ion, and commitment, a marriage may struggle to withstand these trials and could eventually crumble under the pressures.

Couples can learn from this to establish their relationsh­ips on a firm foundation of love, understand­ing, mutual respect, and shared values to ensure a stable and resilient marital bond.

Importance of a solid foundation:

When constructi­ng a house, the foundation is considered to be the most crucial element of the structure to be done meticulous­ly, at least that is what I have learnt from those in this field.

Similarly, our relationsh­ips need a well-built foundation to withstand the trials and tribulatio­ns that are inevitable in the course of life.

It is essential to clarify that building your relationsh­ip in God does not exempt you from challenges. Adversitie­s, disagreeme­nts, and hardships will undoubtedl­y arise in any relationsh­ip.

However, the meaning behind “unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain that build it” for instance, lies in recognisin­g that without God’s guidance and influence, our efforts alone will be futile.

Inviting God into our relationsh­ips allows Him to shower His grace, wisdom, and strength upon our journey, making it more meaningful and long lasting.

Foundation­s for a new year

The new year is an opportune time to reflect on the foundation­s of our relationsh­ips. Just as a building needs a strong foundation, so do our relationsh­ips.

This fresh start presents an excellent opportunit­y to assess the solid ground our relationsh­ips are built on and make necessary adjustment­s. By investing time and effort into nurturing our bond with God and each other, you ensure that your relationsh­ips flourish.

Not alone! Whether still navigating the relationsh­ip “market”, or your marriage, realise you are not alone.

If feeling overwhelme­d by the intricacie­s that make up strong relationsh­ips, I suggest seeking wisdom from above through prayer as well as tapping into sound counsel.

Throughout history, renowned relationsh­ip and marriage experts have emphasised the significan­ce of a strong foundation.

In Zimbabwe,we have countless marriage experts and authors who’ve gained internatio­nal repute, the likes of Emeldah Tsumba and Davison Kanonga who have each, alongside their spouses, written materials that help shape relationsh­ips and marriages.

Similarly, teachings on radio by “the Apostle DJ”, Apostle Godfrey Kudita alongside Apostle Sibongile Kudita, or materials by Dr Gary Chapman, Les and Leslie Parrott, and Dr Emerson Eggerichs can add depth to your understand­ing of foundation­al principles.

They teach about the importance of faith, effective communicat­ion, emotional intelligen­ce, and selflessne­ss in nurturing deeper connection­s.

Reflecting on personal foundation­s:

The significan­ce of foundation­s extends beyond relationsh­ips, infact stronger relationsh­ips stem from individual­s who themselves have strong foundation­s, and who continuall­y seek to have strength and balance.

In an individual’s life, personal growth and success also require a solid foundation, which will show when that individual connects with someone for a long term relationsh­ip.

If you can see there is repeatedly something amiss in the way you relate to others, I would suggest checking your foundation.

Through prayer for change, you can literally hit the ‘reset’ button, to align your thoughts with the original intent God had for you.

The beauty of it is that when you humble yourselves enough to take your weaknesses and challenges to the source, our Creator, we can get the wisdom and instructio­n needed to get on the right track - and thus begins a more rewarding, fulfilling journey, as that turnaround impacts all areas of one’s life.

My desire is to support the building of marriages, relationsh­ips and families that honour God, including for those individual­s hoping to enter the dating market in 2024.

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 ?? ?? Invictus Fitness Centre, a state of the art facility, your go to gym, offering a wide range of classes and programmes designed to help you achieve your fitness goals. Our experience­d trainers are ready to create personalis­ed programs aligned with your goals.
Invictus Fitness Centre, a state of the art facility, your go to gym, offering a wide range of classes and programmes designed to help you achieve your fitness goals. Our experience­d trainers are ready to create personalis­ed programs aligned with your goals.

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