Written by Jonathan Aluzas
“Shadows and dust,” he whispered before he died.? It was the last line the great British actor, Oliver Reed, delivered as the character Proximo in one of my favorite movies, Gladiator.? Sadly, it may have been the last one he delivered as a living actor as well as he died during the shoot of the film and the production company had to spend a small fortune digitally recreating him in some scenes in order to complete the film.? But I’m not here to write about the craft of film making.? I bring it up because I just saw Gladiator again today for probably the twentieth time and the melancholy of his final line always sticks with me for the night.? I reference it for other reasons; ones decidedly more upbeat.
“Shadows and dust.”? In the end, that’s all we remain.? And in the spirit of living, not dying, I write this piece. We have just begun a new year and, irrespective of our individual political positions, it is evident from the inaugural ceremonies and celebrations that the country is hopeful, optimistic and looking forward.? So, let’s fly in the face of all of the dire economic and global predictions for 2009 and set our feet on a path of upward and proactive movement.
With that said, here is my list of Nine Musts in ’09, and they are delivered as much to you as an offering of encouragement as they are to me as a reminder to practice what I preach.? Here goes:
1.? Turn off the TV
…and the radio, and the internet, and close the newspapers for a while.? I’m not suggesting that we all bury our heads in the sand, but, really, do we need to constantly immerse ourselves in the miserable and foreboding stories the media pounds into us over and over and over? It can’t be good for our psyche. We know the economy sucks, we know we’re in wars. But we still have to put our pants on in the morning and go out in to the world and work, spend time with people we love and find enjoyment in what we can control.
2.? Drink a glass of wine
One, because it’s good, and two, because it’s good for us.? By now we’ve all read and/or heard about the benefits of a good glass of red wine.? Turns out that, in addition to gently washing away the worries of the day, it contains resveratrol which is rich in antioxidants (some people are calling it the Fountain of Youth).? Any of you out there who watch Oprah may have heard Dr. Oz talk about it, and he also references it in his book, You: Staying Young (which is a good and interesting read) and 60 Minutes did a big story on it this month. I’m going to stay on top of this story, but in the meantime, drink up! Don’t get carried away, though. One glass a day is good for you; a whole bottle a day and you’ll end up with heart problems, a pickled liver, and vague recollections of singing “I Will Survive” at the karaoke bar.
3.? Party
This is not an invitation to selectively reference the red wine issue again.? I just mean, take some time to enjoy life.? I’m not going to go the route of “dance like there’s no one watching,” or “embrace your inner child” because that kind of talk makes my mouth go dry and my fists clench.? But we all get so tangled up in the gears of responsibility and anxiety that we forget to do the things that make us forget about mortgages and tax returns.? So golf, throw the football around with your kid, tip a beer with the boys at the pub, go to Disneyland, whatever.? But do something that reminds you that life isn’t just a steep dive into the ether.? And do it with a glass of wine in hand.
4.? Embrace technology
Blog, read blogs, sign up for Facebook 
and reconnect with old friends, find out what the hell Twitter
is about, put down the telegraph machine and get connected to a really interesting world out there.
5.? Thin the herd
This may sound rough, but you know that friend you have, the one you’ve been friends with forever who does nothing but complain and mope and create drama and elevate your blood pressure?? Let him go.? Just because he has problems doesn’t mean he gets to be one of yours.? Don’t turn your back on loved ones who need help, but that chronic complainer isn’t interested in solutions, he’s committed to problems.
6.? Fight for your money
Money is more precious than ever right now, and, with businesses fighting to stay afloat, leverage has finally tipped to the consumer.? So, ask your phone company for a better deal, negotiate your credit card or loan interest rates lower, dispute service charges on your bank accounts.? It’s YOUR money, and when the economy begins roaring again they won’t hesitate to hike prices again.
7.? Sweat
Keep your anxiety at bay with regular, vigorous exercise.? Countless studies over the last decade have concluded that exercise can lower depression and improve self-esteem.? So, go to the gym, ride your bike, throw the football with your kids, hike, play racquetball, whatever.? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services new Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans calls for 150 minutes per week of moderate activity for adults, which should include strength training.? Click on this link for more information:
https://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2008-10-07-physical-activity_N.htm
8.? Chill
Carve out some time to relax.? The more you serve yourself in this capacity the greater your capacity will be to serve others.? So read a book, take a Yoga class and go to the beach.? Or read a Yoga book on the beach.? Or whatever, but CHILL.
9.? To Sleep, Perchance to Dream
Yeah, I did it.? I’m a gym owner and I referenced Shakespeare.? That’s how I roll.? But I toss and turn at night and know a lot of you do, too.? Sleep deprivation can cause a multitude of health risks, so make sure you do your best to get a sufficient amount of sleep for you.
I’ll cover some of these topics in greater detail in the future, but for now take them into consideration.? If you feel I missed some points, please let me know.? And if you think I’m full of crap, you can let me know that, too.? Whatever your opinion is, we at Arena Fitness hope you do your best to make the most out of 2009.
