Stress Management and Exercise

My weekly Get Your Stuff Together Sunday email series gives you one actionable focus for the week that will make your life a little easier.

If the thought of dealing with all that’s on your plate for work, as well as your social and family obligations, has you stressed, you’re not alone. Studies show 77% of Americans are regularly stressed. The physical effects of stress are manifested in many forms, like headaches, insomnia, anxiety, weight gain, mood swings. But how you deal with them can be detrimental to your health. This week, we’re going to talk about how you can use exercise as a super-effective stress management tool.

If your first instinct when stressed is to release the stress in a way that gives you instant gratification – starting a fight, grabbing a drink, yelling – it might feel good for the time being, but this doesn’t solve the long-term issues if you have chronic stress. The best way to deal with the emotions and effects of stress is by channeling your anger and stress into something that you can do habitually to blow off steam before it builds up. Physical activity is the best way to not only manage stress but eliminate the symptoms that stem from it.

You may have heard of the runner’s high - the increased production of endorphins, the neurotransmitter that makes you feel good. That high isn’t just for runners! Any physical activity can boost endorphins, and this ultimately will help you reset those hormones that cause stress.

Depending on your level of stress, here are a few examples to help deal with different types of stress.

• If you’re suffering from anxiety and can’t stop your brain from overanalyzing, a mindless workout where your body gets into a rhythm can help slow your thoughts down while you focus on the activity. Walking or taking a bike ride are a great way to keep your anxiety from overwhelming you.
• If you’re angry or tense, a harder, faster workout that keeps your brain engaged can help refocus the aggression and tension. HIIT, cardio, or strength training are examples of workouts you can do to help relax your mind.
• If you’re looking to decompress from a stressful day, keeping your mind and body in tune can help dissolve the day away. Yoga and Pilates are practices that force you to breathe and keep your focus on your body’s movements quieting your mind.

You know working out is good for your body, but it’s also good for your mind. When so many of us are carrying heavy loads in our daily lives, taking a moment to recognize what’s stressing you out and being able to do something about it are necessary steps towards bettering not only our physical health, but your mental health as well.

Next Sunday, we’ll talk about some ways that you can try out a vegetarian lifestyle.

Want some expert help with reaching your health goals painlessly? Check out my programs! We’ll get everything taken care of in a way that fits into your current lifestyle so you never have to think about your health again. Love reading? I have books, too. Check out my books!

Do you have a friend who could stand to G(her)ST? Feel free to forward this!

I hope you have a wonderful week,

Kelly