FROM AN ARMCHAIR

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 85, 20 October 1928, Page 14

FROM AN ARMCHAIR

There are some people who make it a boast that they live on their nerves; that despite their delicate physical :ibre they can show a greater sum total of results achieved than tho person of strong constitution who has' never known what it is to feel really "run down." One does not dispute the assertion; but one may still remain convinced that such people have achieved in spite of, not because of, their physical disabilities (writes _ a woman correspondent in an English paper). Deliberately to burn the candle at both ends is nothing short of criminal. Geniuses do it, we know. But then we can't all be geniuses— 'and even they have been'known to burn; themselves out in the very springtime of life, wheu tho years were rosy with promise. Many of us go through' life without realising how tremendous an "asset- is sheer physical vitality, or how big a toll outraged nature will extort from those who fly in the face of her inexorable laws. And this despite heavy doctors' bills and innumerable warnings, and a full knowledge of our. own constitutional weaknesses gained by bitter experience. We. go on running the same risks and incurring the same.inevitable penalties. Fully to realise the blessings that go hand in hand with rich vitality, it is surely enough to come into contact with a man or a woman who is. obviously aglow with life and energy, thrilling tcrthe finger-tips with a vigorous animation that is a tonic even to the beholder. It is the supreme asset of those who have' work to' do in.the world,. whether manual or mental. Mental vitality is inevitably quickened by. physical fitness; it forms, a magnificent reserve force on which, to draw when work makes exorbitant -demands upon nerves and energies that have their breaking point. And that Weaking point, is wont to come tragically soon, once the worker allows herself to got "out of condition." ' We women have yet to learn the inestimable Value of repose and relaxation; and, above all, the marvellous ■ tonic properties of the open air.. We .'.have improved in. this respect, ; but..'-. - we. are still too prone to .wait until we, .are utterly down and1 out before we obey these elementary .laws of health.' A daily delight in. living,.is surely ample compensation for the occasional, irk of time-table methods as applied to our physical well-being! And that timetable should daily include a generous breath of the fresh air that is so literally our life-blood; and an interval of complete and deliberately sought relaxation of. mind and body.