Written by Health Expert Julie Germaine
Life is back to a bustling pace (which is something to celebrate!) however it’s easy to take on too much and end up stressed out. Burn-out is a concern not only for your mental health and financial well-being, but high stress levels can cause problems physically as well.
The best place to start when it comes to managing stress levels is with exercise! I know what you’re thinking, “I don’t have time to add a workout to my day!” The reality is even fifteen to thirty minutes a few times a week can have a dramatic impact on the quality of your sleep, your happy mood, and overall energy levels.
Moving your body releases natural chemicals called endorphins that give you a good feeling and sense of calm. Another interesting fact about these peptides is they have anti-inflammatory effects that aid us in managing pain, from injury or chronic issues such as arthritis.
The same exercise plan isn’t going to work for everyone, so take time to try different activities and chose a workout schedule that fits into your lifestyle. I used to spend hours in the gym as a competitive pro fitness model, however after becoming a parent, I prefer to compact my weight training into only 30 minutes, which is very effective for me. Cardiovascular activity like biking, rollerblading, or hiking is something I incorporate outdoors as much as possible, so I can include my minis and help encourage exercise into the lives of my loved ones.
The fact is that life is always going to have some stress. Many people opt to lean on quick fixes like fast food or alcohol to deal with tough emotions, but I promise you that attempting to change your habits and choosing to get in a workout when stress levels soar will leave you feeling happier, healthier, and way more Zen. (Yes, yoga in the evening counts as exercise.)
It’s never too late to start, remember that! You can thank me later – or reach out to me if you want help getting things moving.
