LEARN TO EXERCISE
I exercise 3 days a week, and do streching daily.
YES! Exercise is the key!
The module has some great, positive coping mechanisms for stress, but I am a firm believer in exercise, and I think it should be at the top of the list.
Breathing, sharing, stretching, and sleep are fine, but short of sharing, exercise encompasses all the rest, is full of health benefits, and can make even a few hours of sleep more beneficial than a sedentary life with 8 hours of sleep per night.
Endorphins and adrenalin are natural "feel good" chemicals for the body and go far to bring peace of mind and self-assurance. a fit body also means a healthy body image and healthy metabolic functioning which contributes to peace of mind and esteem as well. feeling good contributes to truly being good. And a "being good" life is less stressful by far.
i am always actively recruiting fitness partners and am always actively encouraging and congratulating colleagues and students who have regular fitness regimens.
Exercise is a great mechanism for promoting stress reduction and an improved quality of life.
I am a runner and have been for many years. I have always found this to be a wonderful antedote for stress! My daily running routine begins at 5am and at this time I find myself going through the things that lie ahead for the day and try to decide how I will handle situations or problems that have me stressed from previous days. I will sometimes add a short walk during lunch or at the end of the day if something particular has occurred in a day that is bothering me. Every day I remove myself for a limited amount of time at lunch (either a walk outside, sitting under a tree, etc.) just to get a little quiet time and regroup!
I have not exercised lately but I know that I do feel better and I find that I can deal with stress a lot better when I exercise at least three times a week.
Faylee, Excellent to hear. Sounds like you have a wonderful routine that you can depend on!
Dr. Melissa Read
