It is easy to use stress as an excuse to skip your workouts but that is the opposite of what should happen when you are feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Exercise is one of the best strategies to manage that stress, and at the same time, improve your overall health. Physical activity can relieve the anxiety, anger, and tension brought on by stress. It has the ability to increase your brain’s production of those “feel-good” chemicals called endorphins, giving you that sense of well-being and euphoria after your workout. Exercise can not only improve your mood, self-confidence, and lower symptoms of mild depression; but it also helps you sleep better and protect you from the harmful effects that stress can cause to other body systems such as cardiovascular and digestive health.
The time spent exercising allows you to take your mind off the stress and focus on something else. This little bit of distraction can later provide some calm and clarity. It is important to find the kind of exercise that can create those feelings, making it easier to keep it an ongoing part of your lifestyle. It may be a strength training workout that best releases your tension, a brisk walk outdoors to clear your mind, or a yoga class to feel some inner peace and calm. Don’t be afraid to try a variety of workouts so you can find the best fit for your daily routine.
Starting a new exercise program can sometimes be discouraging and an added stress but you don’t need to be an athlete or even in-shape to feel the positive effects that exercise has on your stress management. There are a variety of programs and staff members available at HealthFit to help you figure out how to get started, keep you motivated, and guide you on your journey towards optimal health and well-being.