Stress can really change how we feel about exercise and how much we do it. I’ve experienced being super stressed and then turning to exercise to feel better. I know that stress can either push me to be active or make it hard to stick to my workout plans.
On the bright side, some people use stress to motivate themselves to exercise. Here’s how:
Stress Relief: For lots of folks, going to the gym or going for a jog helps them cope with stress. When we move our bodies, we release natural chemicals called endorphins, which can lift our mood and make us feel happier. I’ve noticed that after a hard workout, I feel lighter and more able to handle whatever's stressing me out.
Routine and Structure: Exercise can give us a helpful routine, especially when life feels chaotic. Sticking to a regular workout schedule can create a sense of normal life, which balances out all the ups and downs we face each day.
But stress can also make us feel less like exercising:
Less Motivation: When I’m really stressed, I often lose my drive to work out. I get stuck in a cycle where stress makes me inactive, and then not exercising just makes me feel more stressed. It’s frustrating because I know that working out would help me, but I just don’t have the energy or will to do it.
Feeling Tired: Stress can wear us out, both mentally and physically. When my mind is tired, I don’t want to lift weights or do anything active. Instead, I tend to choose relaxing activities like binge-watching shows or scrolling through my phone.
Unhealthy Choices: Stress can lead us to unhealthy habits like overeating or not getting enough sleep. When I’m having a tough day, it’s tempting to skip the gym and go for comfort food instead.
Finding a balance is really important. Here are some tips that have worked for me:
Set Realistic Goals: When life gets hectic, it helps to change my fitness goals. Instead of aiming for big targets, I focus on smaller and easier goals that I can actually reach.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Doing activities like yoga or meditation is really helpful for managing stress and can make me want to exercise more.
Choose Fun Activities: Doing physical activities I enjoy, like hiking or dancing, makes even the toughest days feel better.
In short, stress has a big impact on how we work out. Understanding how stress affects us can help us find a better balance between exercising and dealing with everyday challenges.
Stress can really change how we feel about exercise and how much we do it. I’ve experienced being super stressed and then turning to exercise to feel better. I know that stress can either push me to be active or make it hard to stick to my workout plans.
On the bright side, some people use stress to motivate themselves to exercise. Here’s how:
Stress Relief: For lots of folks, going to the gym or going for a jog helps them cope with stress. When we move our bodies, we release natural chemicals called endorphins, which can lift our mood and make us feel happier. I’ve noticed that after a hard workout, I feel lighter and more able to handle whatever's stressing me out.
Routine and Structure: Exercise can give us a helpful routine, especially when life feels chaotic. Sticking to a regular workout schedule can create a sense of normal life, which balances out all the ups and downs we face each day.
But stress can also make us feel less like exercising:
Less Motivation: When I’m really stressed, I often lose my drive to work out. I get stuck in a cycle where stress makes me inactive, and then not exercising just makes me feel more stressed. It’s frustrating because I know that working out would help me, but I just don’t have the energy or will to do it.
Feeling Tired: Stress can wear us out, both mentally and physically. When my mind is tired, I don’t want to lift weights or do anything active. Instead, I tend to choose relaxing activities like binge-watching shows or scrolling through my phone.
Unhealthy Choices: Stress can lead us to unhealthy habits like overeating or not getting enough sleep. When I’m having a tough day, it’s tempting to skip the gym and go for comfort food instead.
Finding a balance is really important. Here are some tips that have worked for me:
Set Realistic Goals: When life gets hectic, it helps to change my fitness goals. Instead of aiming for big targets, I focus on smaller and easier goals that I can actually reach.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Doing activities like yoga or meditation is really helpful for managing stress and can make me want to exercise more.
Choose Fun Activities: Doing physical activities I enjoy, like hiking or dancing, makes even the toughest days feel better.
In short, stress has a big impact on how we work out. Understanding how stress affects us can help us find a better balance between exercising and dealing with everyday challenges.