Coping with Stress and Anxiety through Exercise

A certain amount of stress in life is acceptable and perhaps even downright necessary. But as we all know, modern living definitely gives us that little bit of stress – and then piles on a little bit more, and a little bit more, and just a pinch more until it feels as if we're being smothered by it! If this is how you're feeling, it's time to take action. It's time to take up an age-old, time-tested ,tried-and-true method to reducing stress: exercise.

Adverse Effects of Stress

An over-abundance of stress has several detrimental side effects, ranging from mental to physical to even social disruptions that lower our personal well being and quality of life. Stress can:

• Elevate blood pressure
• Cause heart attacks and strokes
• Create disharmonious environments
• Cause unnecessary arguments that damage or destroy relationships
• Cause negative perceptions of one's self (doubt, anger, frustration)
• Headaches and other inexplicable pains

And that's just a short list!

Why Exercise?

Some have said that “stress” and our reaction to it was biologically created to help us with our “fight or flight” mechanism. Only these days, we often can't fight OR flee from whatever it is that hounds us. That paperwork has to be finished regardless, and you can't run away from a death in the family or a broken marriage. The anxiety that winds up during these events can be released through exercise.

Think of stress and anxiety as a twisting rubber band. The more stress and anxiety you experience, the tighter it twists. Once you start moving your body and getting your muscles going, that rubber band unwinds even faster than it wound up.

But I HATE Exercise!

You don't need a gym to use exercise to reduce stress. Everyone has a different personal preference when it comes to exercise. Personally, I cannot stand running but I'll play a game of basketball or go for a swim any time the urge strikes.

When at work, you can try the typical “walk an extra flight of stairs” routine or park in a spot that's further from the building. Invest in a stress ball (or make one out of a balloon and some packed flour) and practice stretching and muscle “flexing” to help minimize the amount of stress you feel at the end of the day. Ask work to provide you with a headset while you're in the office (if you don't have one already) and walk around while you're on that important call. You'd be surprised how many of your co-workers are already using this technique!

The key here isn't to undergo a massive and sudden lifestyle change by pounding out two hours on the treadmill or going to “aquafit” classes (though those are both good things!). The key is to take little steps in implementing more exercise and activity throughout your entire day to help maintain and control your stress levels.

photo by Cienpies Design