I think if you exercise your state of mind - my state of mind - is usually more at ease ready for more mental challenges. Once I get the physical stuff out of the way it always seems like I have more calmness and better self-esteem.
Whether you like it or not you're forced to come to the realisation that death is out there. But I don't fear death I'm a fatalist. I believe when it's your time that's it. It's the hand you're dealt.