Balancing each day’s responsibilities and events can be challenging.  But I think we can all agree that this balance is far more challenging during a time of emotional trauma.  When all is well, it’s much easier to have a positive attitude, make proper food choices, and take time to exercise.  But what do you do when you are confronted with tragedy or disappointment?  Are you able to maintain balance in a time of emotional stress?  The real question is not how will you respond IF it happens, but how will you respond WHEN it happens.  I believe in being prepared.

I have seen people during times of suffering give up and let themselves go physically, mentally, and emotionally.  I, too, have done this at times throughout my life.  If you have experienced divorce, a lost friendship, a disappointing business venture, or a death in the family, you know exactly what I mean.  There are many events that we encounter throughout our lives that could fall into the “challenging and disappointing” category.

Recently I had to say a final “good-bye” to my beloved pet, Spike, a.k.a. “Boo Boo.”  (Of course like any devoted pet lover I had lots of side-kick names for him: Spikermonkey, Mr. Cowboy, Boo-scooter, Bumpkin Boy, and yes, Batman!)  My sweet little Chihuahua answered lovingly to all of those names.  Boo Boo was, without a doubt, the canine “love-of-my-life.”  He was 4 pounds of adorable and devoted preciousness.  Though on a scale of devastating events, losing Boo Boo was probably not the most difficult, it still rocked me to my core and crushed my heart.

This loss did not come as a surprise to me.  Boo Boo had been dealing with congestive heart failure for almost 2 years.  Because of this, I did have the advantage of being somewhat prepared for my eventual loss.  But, there are many devastating events that come with no warning.   During an event such as this, how does a person maintain their balance?  My recommendation:  create a preplanned health and fitness emergency procedure. 

I know it sounds crazy, but it really works. Just like a fire drill, you can have a planned procedure for times of stress.  It begins with reminding yourself of the plan when the event happens.  Then you must follow-up with the next most important step -- implementing your plan even though you probably won’t want to.  From there it’s a matter of maintaining balance with daily activities, responsibilities, healthy eating, and proper exercise.  After all, when a person is emotionally stressed, their body needs wholesome food and exercise even more than during more stable times. 

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should compartmentalize your problem or not grieve.  I am a firm believer that grieving should be immediate; whether it’s over the loss of a loved one, or the loss of a job.  Having a pre-planned health and fitness emergency procedure will help you maintain a healthy attitude and healthy behavior, while experiencing the grieving process.   It’s difficult, but it can be done.

As for me, life goes on without Boo Boo.  My heart still misses him, but because I have stuck to my preplanned health and fitness emergency procedure I am moving forward and feeling better than I would have if I had not planned ahead.  You, too, can make your way through life’s difficulties without destroying your health.  So here is your challenge.  Plan today, and be prepared.