Life is hard. Work, relationships, family issues, money problems, car trouble ... you name it, problems can sneak up fast, causing the stress monster to attack. Everyone has a unique way of dealing with it - and most people know (and embrace) the fact that exercise can really help. Some people just don't really know why. Myself included.
So I decided to do a little digging ... I found a few simple, easy-to-read articles that explain a bit about how exercise helps manage stress - like this one.
I also liked this one from the Mayo Clinic, which is written well and also gives easy-to-follow tips on formulating and sticking with an exercise plan. It explains the three major benefits of exercise with respect to stress. Exercise causes an increase in endorphins, the body's feel-good neurotransmitters; it helps move a person's concentration from the object of the stress to the goal of the exercise, which creates a more clear head upon completion; and it improves mood through increased self confidence, better sleep (never to be underestimated), improved appearance, etc.
It may be a walk after work, p90x with a friend, a game of softball with friends or a weightlifting session - the point is, when you're really stressed out, try and get some exercise, it will definitely help things out.
How do you use exercise to help you de-stress? Have you tried it?
