My first reaction to stress is to get in bed and hide from everyone and I certainly don't feel like keeping up with working out.  Some people use food, alcohol, drugs (yes those prescription bottles contain drugs) - all of us have our little vices that we use when we feel down.  We all know this makes everything worse, but once stress hits logic seems to go out the window.

I've had a very stressful week and I've forced myself to stay OUT of bed and keep my body moving.  Things definitely look better after a brisk walk.

Here are some ways exercise helps us to DE-stress:


Anger Management
Stress is often associated with anger and what better what to deal with anger than a kick-boxing session?  I can tell you exercise will reduce the odds that you punch something or someone during high stress times.  Get rid of all that negative energy in a healthy way for YOU and for those who really ticked you off.

Escape
Exercise can be a solitary escape from pressure and whatever is causing you the stress.  It will recharge you so you can better deal with the problem at hand and stimulate much needed problem solving.

Tension Reduction
When I'm stressed, my muscles are SO TENSE - especially around my neck and shoulders.  Physical activity allow muscles to work, which releases all that stored energy and allows muscle groups to return to their normal resting potential.

Mood
Endorphins have been shown to increase during physical activity of twenty minutes or more. Chemically similar to opiate compounds, this morphine-like substance has been shown to provide a pain relieving effect and promote a sense of euphoria – and it’s legal and it's GOOD FOR YOU!

Anyone who exercises regularly will tell you their mood is positively effected by it.  Why don't more doctors try prescribing an exercise regiment before writing out those prescriptions for anti-depressants?  That's another blog post ; )

Better Sleep
I stay in bed, but can never seem to get any good rest when I'm stressed.  Exercise is very effective in helping some people fall asleep easily and sleep more soundly.

Have I sold you yet?  I wrote this post today to remind myself of a healthy way to de-stress.  Hopefully it will help you the next time stress rears it's ugly head in your life.