Stress and working out

Stress can present with a multitude of symptoms and side effects. For me, and I believe most emotional eaters, “inexplicable.” Instead of talking it out, writing it down or working it over, food is utilized as an emotional cork — shoving down and blocking out any possible spread or outbreak of feelings.

More often than not, this sort of denial or displacement eventually boils over in the form of burnout or a modest mental breakdown. Though I fancy myself a non-crier, I usually succumb to my stereotypically female emotions whilst on the phone with my mommy.

Since imma grown up, this brand of external release is just not socially acceptable.

Luckily, my time spent with my nose in the books and pen to paper is nicely balanced by my “yelling at people while they workout” time. However, since I’m not complete sadists, I don’t feel release with my instruction but my involvement in any fitness class or workout and I don’t think I’m alone.

A bad day. A terrible exam. A fight with a friend.

Doesn’t matter the source of the stress I believe a good sweat can cure it.

In fact, it’s been clinical proven that a consistent exercise routine can alleviate stress.

I’m talking science and stuff.

In addition to being linked to an improvement in your overall health, physical activity actually is proven to make you happy by the release of endorphins.

“HUH?” You say: Endorphins are the “feel-good” neurotransmitters produced by your brain. Known as “runner’s high,” any activity that peaks your heart rate — tennis game, a good swim, …sleep overs… — can elicit the same feeling.

Also, getting a good sweat going is simply a good distraction. A consistent focus on fitness can lead to a long-term improvement of one’s ability to focus on a single task limiting our chance of getting overwhelmed and therefore stressed.

But where to start.

First and foremost, consult your family doctor. This is very important if you’re not use to moving. Always good to know the line between “can’t” and “shouldn’t” before you wind up injured… ‘Cause that doesn’t make anyone happy.

If the doc gives you the green light: AWESOME. Now remember we must all walk before we run. Slowly work your way into a fitness routine—one class or workout at a time. No need to bang out triple-workout-days when you’re previous activity included getting up from the couch to use the bathroom.

Next: find what you love. Don’t get into running if you hate it. Not comfortable in the pool, stick to the land. Working out should always have benefits. Sure, more difficult workouts make us all hate ourselves for leaving the comfort of our homes but never let the chosen activity sway you away from sweating.

Lastly, once you’ve made your schedule, stick with it!

Make “me time” for the gym. Tell friends to join you. Remain accountable.

Feel free to change up your workouts — run one day, swim another, maybe throw in a hike — keep it fun.

For me, especially through the winter months, I focus on a race-season challenge.

A triathlon, a running event, an obstacle course… That way I have a countdown — a deadline — additional motivation to not sleep and skip a workout.

Now that the polar ice cap that had become the Maritimes is starting to decrease, it’s a great time to start!

MOVE!