You made it through the holidays! Relieved the busyness is done, it’s finally time to relax. You sit down to breathe and reflect and then…
Bam! 现实出现了. Deadlines at work are approaching! Your bank account is shrinking! Kids’ schedules are dominating your calendar! You’re trying to make positive lifestyle changes but suddenly, the stress is building all over again. How can one manage this stress rollercoaster?
Although exercise won’t make stress disappear, it can definitely prepare your mind and body to deal with its effects.
Exercise encourages your brain to produce a special chemical messenger called norepinephrine. This chemical becomes especially abundant in the part of the brain that controls your emotions and manages your response to stress. Nobody knows exactly what message norepinephrine is sending, but the American Psychological Association (APA) reports that it could prime the brain to efficiently handle stress.
Exercise may also help the rest of your body respond to stressful situations. Consider how much a workout has in common with a stressful situation: your pulse races, your breath quickens and your sweat glands work overtime. According to the APA, exercise is like a trial run for actual stress. The parts of the body that are sensitive to stress learn how to communicate and cooperate, leaving you much better prepared to face life beyond the gym.
I think we can all agree that exercise is important, but does the thought of adding regular exercise to your already busy life stress you out even more? Does the following sound familiar?
“I used to exercise four or five days per week, and I felt great. 我有更多的精力. 我睡得更好了. 我更专注了. 现在, I haven’t exercised in so long because… I’m too busy; there’s no time; I can’t afford a gym membership; I walk outside but now it’s too hot/too cold/too wet/too dark, 等.”
It is hard to argue with the fact that our society has become way too busy. However, this is even more reason to find time to be active. 你需要平衡.
So how can you fit activity into an already hectic schedule? Start slowly and don’t let missing a day or two discourage you. Being active will eventually become a stress reducer. Exercise should be safe, fun, and rewarding. Combine these three elements with the following tips, and you’ll be in shape for the stresses that come your way.
摆脱规则.
Forget about what you used to do for exercise or what the latest craze is. Let go of what you think you should be doing. Get rid of the “all or nothing” mindset. If you don’t have time to get to the gym, that’s okay, but take time to do something.
做你喜欢的事.
Find exercise as something enjoyable vs. another item on your to-do list. It’s amazing what can be accomplished if we change how we view things. Find your fitness personality.
在移动中社交.
邀请一个朋友加入你. Register for a fun event like a mud run or color run. If family obligations prevent you from fitting in regular exercise, plan active outings with the family.
制定计划.
Spend time on the weekend planning the week ahead. Schedule exercise sessions just like a regular appointment. If you see your exercise plan, there is a greater chance that it won’t get missed.
审核你的日程安排.
How are you spending your time? It may seem like there’s no time for exercise but if we dig deep, we can usually find it. 你能限制看屏幕的时间吗? How much time are you spending on 脸谱网?
成为一个“追踪者”.”
Wear a fitness tracker to monitor your daily activity or download an app to track nutrition and fitness goals.
上升 & 发光.
For most people, the day only gets more demanding as it goes on. Exercising first thing in the morning will ensure you fit it in. Get ready the night before, physically and mentally.
休息一下.
工作压力大? Been working on your computer all day, trying to meet a deadline? Try these desk str等hes for quick stress relief.
给自己放个假.
You didn’t get to the gym or do your exercise video at home. 不要介意. Some days it’s going to happen; just don’t let it ruin your week. Make a plan to fit it in tomorrow.
