Why Does Stress Make Us Skip Exercise?

When we’re stressed, our bodies go into “fight-or-flight” mode, prioritizing immediate survival over long-term health habits. Fatigue, lack of motivation, and an overburdened schedule make skipping workouts feel justified. Ironically, avoiding exercise can make stress worse, leading to a cycle of tension, fatigue, and decreased well-being.

How Exercise Helps Manage Stress

• Reduces Cortisol: Physical activity helps regulate stress hormones, keeping them in balance.
• Boosts Endorphins: Movement triggers feel-good chemicals that improve mood and reduce anxiety.
• Improves Sleep: Regular exercise can help you fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality.
• Enhances Focus & Resilience: Staying active improves mental clarity and makes us more adaptable to stressors.
• It’s Meditation in Motion: You may often find that you’ve forgotten the day’s irritations and concentrated only on your body’s movements.

Tips to Keep Moving During Stressful Times

1. Shorten Your Workouts: Even 10-15 minutes of movement is better than none.
2. Make It Convenient: Home workouts or quick walks can be just as effective.
3. Choose Activities You Enjoy: Movement doesn’t have to be intense—dancing, yoga, or stretching count too!
4. Use Exercise as a Reset: See movement as a tool to recharge, rather than another task to complete.
5. Stay Flexible: Some days, a gentle stretch or breathing exercises might be all you need.
6. Have a Coach at The Well to Be Accountable To: One of the gifts of committing to working with one of our holistic trainers is to have another human who is showing up for and supporting you. 

Stress will always be a part of life, but staying active can help you manage it in a healthier, more sustainable way. Instead of letting stress be a reason to stop moving, let it be the reason you continue.