Everyone knows exercise is a great way to lose weight, but I don't think exercise gets enough credit for being a perfect way to relieve stress.  I am a control freak and don't even bother denying it any longer.  Since I've ventured into health and fitness, I've discovered how much the way I feel can be controlled through diet and fitness.  I kinda find it challenging to see how well I can get my body working through tweaking my diet and eating the things that it needs to work to it's fullest potential.

Imagine if you only got one car to last your entire life...

I bet the oil would get changed way more frequently and no matter the cost of premium gasoline, that's what you would use to fuel it.  If we can really grasp the fact that we're given only one body and how we feel and how long we live is all dependant on how well you have cared for that one and only body, we would certainly change.

But no matter how clean your diet is and how much you get that hot little body of yours moving each day, one thing that cannot be controlled is STRESS.  As long as we're breathing, we have no choice but to have to endure stress and people use all kinds of things to deal with it.  Stress causes a whole gamut of illnesses, from TMJ to headaches.  If you've had to deal with a massive amount of stress in your life, I'm sure you can rattle off a handful of terrible symptoms it caused.  However, if you go to the doctor because you are under a great deal of stress, chances are they will write you a prescription for a drug, and not exercise.  I think exercise isn't taken seriously enough as a solution.  Check this out.

Exercise causes your body to releases chemicals called endorphins.These endorphins produce a “feel good” attitude in the body. If you've ever excercised regularly, you know exactly what this means.  You really feel different.  I've experienced this with running more than any other exercise regiment I've tried.  That wonderful feeling, known as a "runner's high," also gives you a more positive and energizing outlook on the things going on in your life, thus improving your mood.

Exercise provides you with energy and stamina to make the most of your day.  I started setting my alarm EARLIER so I can start my day with a workout and that's the best thing I've done for ME because it's amazing how much my energy level has increased.

Exercise clears your mind and allow you to have a fresh perspective.  Things are always better after a hard workout.

Exercise improves your self esteem.  It's hard to feel badly when you get out of the shower, look in the mirror and tell yourself what a brick house you've turned into.

Exercise wears your butt out so when it's time to sleep, you sleep instead of overanalyzing what is stressing you.

I am writing this post today to serve as a reminder to me.  I've had a couple of really stressful days and it's so easy to lose motivation and slip into bad habits.  To combat the negativity, I decided to sit and list reasons exercise is where it's at...

So the next time stress surrounds you, get your fitness on instead of using a self destructive way to cope.