Exercise as a way to cope with stress
Exercise is a wonderful way to cope with stress! I love to swim and feel much better when I go to the gym and do laps for 35 minutes. However many times I will come home from work and say I'm too tired to go to the gym - not good I know! How do you motivate yourself to do the exercise even if it as the end of a long day?
Richard, These are all great ways to get ahead of stress. I particularly like the idea of having everything ready ahead of class. This can make a big difference on not only how effective we are but also how we confident we feel.
Dr. Melissa Read
to spend more time in the Gym will help reduce some stress ,to manage better the time will help too,since will are not going to be procrastinating (another cause of stress),to have everything ready for the class with time ahead too
go to the gym before going home. If you go home it's a sure way to make up excuses of not to go.
I find I struggle with this as well, only mine is getting out of bed in time to work out before my day needs to start... also making time for this stress relief can cause stress...go figure!
Olga, Interesting approach. There's no better reminder to do something than passing it on your way home each day. Some people say the best location for your gym is near your home or near your work. I say the best location for your gym is the location that you'll go to. Sounds like you've found yours.
Dr. Melissa Read
Ihave a very long schedule, somedays 7 am to 6 pm, what I did was to find a GYM that is on my way home, and I carry every day gym clothing in my car, if I get home all I want to do is go to bed but if I am driving home and I pass by the gym I usually feel like ok...I am here so lets excercise! It is working so far,,I even started loosing weight so I cannot be happier!
It's very hard to get motivated. I would say actually just doing it and blanking out the tiredness would be your best bet. And to also think of the feeling you get after a healthy work out. It's very soothing. That alone should be motivation in itself.
Kelley, Wow, thanks for sharing. That's certainly a new outlet mentioned in this class. It sounds like this is the kind of outlet that can really take you away. How interesting! Keep exploring new coping mechanisms and sharing the best ones with us.
Dr. Melissa Read
Recently I started taking African Djembe drum lessons. I never realized what a great exercise and
stress reducer this fun activity serves.
Pauline, So true. Both of these activities are enjoyable and often don't feel like exercise at all. It's great to find coping mechanisms that we enjoy.
Dr. Melissa Read
swimming and dancing is also a great stress reliver
I do agree and I hope to become more active I sure hate to keep paying for a gym membership that I don't use
Lesley, First off I'm so glad to hear you have found a great outlet. Swimming can be a wonderful, low impact sport that reduces stress and helps you stay fit too. As for your question, that's a tough one. There are some days where you probably are just too tired to get out there an exercise and that's ok. You've got to be reasonable with yourself. At the same time, there are likely other days where you are good to swim if you just push yourself a little. Try to make the most of those days and you'll be on track.
Dr. Melissa Read
