Thinking that “exercise reduces stress” in these times can be challenging, especially when we feel stressed for time or energy. The irony of it is that moving our bodies actually helps us to process the stress into a move positive energy to overcome the challenges before us. 

Taking 30 min to strength train, to walk, to run, to dance, to stretch, anything, can be so helpful. Heck, if you’ve only got 5 or 10 minutes, you’ll get benefit from it!

“Exercise reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that are the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. Endorphins are responsible for the “runner’s high” and for the feelings of relaxation and optimism that accompany many hard workouts — or, at least, the hot shower after your exercise is over.” – Harvard Study

Our bodies can wind up holding this stress in our neck, shoulders, back, jaw, chest, stomach, hips, and even our throat and head. If you’re feeling the tension in your body, it may be an indicator to be curious about – what does your body need? Do you need to stretch? Go for a walk? That exercise reduces stress in those areas of the body.

All this to give you an extra encouragement to get up and get some movement in. 🙂 

If you’re working with us and struggling with motivation on any particular day, I implore you to send a message to your coach! We’re here to help and support you! (Side note – I’m hosting a Mental Health & Fitness Workshop online!)

And if you’re not yet working with us, I invite you to submit for an Exploratory Session below. Let’s have a conversation about your goals, anything you’re doing right now, and what it would look like!