When most people are asked why they want to begin an exercise program, many will say to lose weight or become healthier.
But exercise is also a great way to relieve stress.
It’s true, a regular exercise routine can help you feel more relaxed and better manage the stress in your life.
Stress results in a feeling of tension or anxiety. Moving, sweating and forgetting about life for a bit during a workout can let off some of that pent up energy.
When you’re dealing with issues in work or your personal life, exercise can help your body and mind cope.
Additionally, exercise is challenging. When you consistently go to the gym and challenge your body physically, you feel stronger and more capable.
This translates into feeling stronger and more capable in other areas of life.
You will find you are better equipped to handle struggles that arise, because you are regularly challenging yourself and proving you can handle it.
Working out can be a cause of stress, too, however. If you’re putting pressure on yourself to exercise when you don’t have the time or energy, then feeling guilty about skipping the gym, that can potentially make things worse.
It is never a good idea to add stress on top of stress by putting one more thing on your plate to worry about.
But if you’re thinking of starting an exercise program or trying to make an effort to be more consistent with getting to the gym, remind yourself that it isn’t just about losing weight.
Managing stress is a great reason to exercise, and one you can feel good about.
If you’re stressed out and want to relax, try heading to the gym instead of having a glass of wine.
It might be tough at first, but just think how much better you will feel when you’re done.
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