Exercise & Life

In the past few days I have had a few students tell me that they were going to "take leave" from classes (exercise) so that they can "straighten things out in their lives". They feel that they need the time to get their mind focused and make sure that they have their priorities straight. It might be time, money or just energy and that they will return when they have gotten it together.
My take on this is that they have it wrong. While I tell them that they should do as they feel I also don't feel they have it right. I don't tell them this directly (as my general philosophy says that I should) because I feel that this kind of "life question" is one of personal choice and not one that should be externally influenced- I can't motivate somebody only that person can motivate their selves. This is very similar to the Buddhist faith where you don't 'recruit' people into it.
For me EXERCISE (particularly Kung Fu and Tai Chi) HAS BEEN THE WAY to straighten things out. It focuses my mind like nothing else. It takes my mind off of the problems that I am facing and forces me to put my mind into the form or, even more challenging, opponent trying to hit me! It relaxes my body even though many people say that exercise hurts and gets you tires. Remember that exercise releases endorphines- A natural high! And it may cost some money to pay for class but if I weren't going to class I would probably pay for other things to occupy my time- movies, books, food...
What I DO know is that ALL of my major life's crises were endured by continuing to practice my Kung Fu throughout. After all of them I am still healthy adn mentally (I know others would question this) stable.
Don't stop exercising when you have life problems. Whether you do Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Karate, boxing, running, aerobics or just weight lifting you should maintain your routine. Keep your mind and body strong and focused. It WILL help you through your situation.