Does anyone else exercise for stress relief?

lulucitron

Yoga by far saves my sanity. It's changed me so much on the outside as well on the inside. I focus on my breath while practicing and ignore all other thoughts and I'm left feeling spent and happy with a clear head at the end. It's life changing. I don't do the yin and slow paced stuff but an all out kick butt vinyasa class. I don't find much stress relief from the gym because I've done it so long plus people in the gym annoy me by leaving weights on machines, texting while sitting at a machine, doing bicep curls while standing in the squat rack...the list goes on.

fishgutzy

Yup.
Particularly when I have to travel to China. Always a month at a time. Don't always have a pool to swim depending of whether it is Shanghai or Hangzhou. One office is .0.5 from a pool and 5km swim after day. The other , no pool, but on the 20th floor and 3.6 miles from corp apartment. So 7.32 miles walking and 20 floor up and down 2x times a day.

sadiebrawl

beachhouse758 wrote: »

And I quote:
"Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't."

Why I am before going home tonight... because today... man...

quiksylver296

Anything works for me. A good long run, lifting or yoga are usually my go-to's.

kamakazeekim

I'm a therapist and I always try to get my clients to try exercising to help decrease anxiety and depression. Research shows that moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes a day is as effective at treating mild to moderate depression as an antidepressant. Intense physical activity is also an excellent way to stop panic attacks and bring anxiety down.

happycauseIride

I exercise to keep depression in check. I can tell when I miss a few workouts because I start to get really edgy and crabby. Something about a heart pumping sweat session with loud music in my ears that makes things all better!!

_lyndseybrooke_

Absolutely. I've been having a lot of bad anxiety lately and the only time I feel normal is while I'm working out. I don't do impromptu workouts to reduce stress - I do what I planned on doing in the first place, but it's my "me time" and I enjoy it...even the cardio.

urloved33

Yoga, stretched and balanced class or walking all reduce my stress levels.

Foamroller

High intensity when angry or frustrated to let those feelings have a productive outlet. Walking is a great allround stress reliever. Yoga, meditation or foamrolling for relaxing muscles and mind.

Seriously, if they could bottle the effects exercise has on the body and mind, that pharmaceutical company would be rich.

Altagracia220

Yes. I used to hate going to the gym but now I look forward to it. I would wake up everyday, go to work, and spend the whole day anticipating going to the gym. I'd get to the gym, work out for an hour to an hour and a half and afterwards feel so happy and content. I decided I didn't want to wait all day to feel like that so I've been waking up at 5:45am to go to spin class on top of going after work ! Wonder how long this will last lol

yopeeps025

Yup I use exercise and sex to relief stress.

sunglasses_and_ocean_waves

Oh heck yes!! It definitely got me through cancer testing & treatments! I'd have been a mess without it.

jgnatca

Yup, known stress reliever. I find my Yoga and Tai Chi exercises to be calming; as good as a massage. Have you tried mindfulness and breathing exercises?

What's with the attempt to find the best or the optimum exercise? As if this is some sort of race or something? I see this with all of the quick-fix diet plans too. As if we're in a big hurry to get back to...what?

lili61

Yes--exercise was/kind of is an immense stress reliever for me. I say "was" because I honestly don't feel very stressed much anymore, since I began exercising regularly almost 2 years ago. I typically go about 4 times a week but go anywhere from 3-5 times per week. The most I get is pretty grumpy about missing my workout.

csuhar

I find exercise is a good leveler for me. In particular, weight-based workouts (bodyweight or normal lifting) tend to help pick me up if I'm depressed or calm me down if I'm agitated. The numbers involved in counting sets, reps, and weight lifted give me something to focus my mind on in addition to the benefits that come from the physical exertion.

Cardio doesn't seem to be as reliable because it's easy to let those depressing / agitating thoughts linger in my head.

kami3006

I've had clinical depression/anxiety since I was a kid and exercising is something that immediately relieves the tension that builds up and improves my mood/outlook.

LovelyIvy466

The hard part about exercising when depressed is that when you are depressed it is so hard to make yourself be active and do things that you enjoy. It's why it is so important for me to make exercise a habit. If it's something that is a normal part of my day it's a lot easier to make myself do it.

Shawnrivas

Lifting weights or just moving helps a great deal. Get pumped it helps beat the blues.

shezza4mobee

yes, totally. I love the high it gives me afterwards and the pride of accomplishment! My kids even commented on how exercising has made me happier and now I don't go off so easily. So if that's not proof lol
Oh and after seeing my ex, the kickboxing moves in Zumba come in real handy!! lol

shezza4mobee

jazmin220 wrote: »

Yes. I used to hate going to the gym but now I look forward to it. I would wake up everyday, go to work, and spend the whole day anticipating going to the gym. I'd get to the gym, work out for an hour to an hour and a half and afterwards feel so happy and content. I decided I didn't want to wait all day to feel like that so I've been waking up at 5:45am to go to spin class on top of going after work ! Wonder how long this will last lol

I used to be the same way, drag my feet, but the feeling when you leave that class/work out. It's awesome! I've been working out a few days a week at 5.30 am and find those days to be the best eating days too!

JeffS435

exercising at the gym or sex are both great stress relievers.

quietasariot

YES. Major stress relief for me. It's my alone time and I thoroughly enjoy it.

Babygi6003

I definitely do! When I am upset or stressed, I go do extra cardio

bodiva88

I find swimming the best for stress relief. The stress seems to wash right away as I go. And it makes my whole body tired and relaxed, so good sleeping afterward, too.

melodyis4reals

Take a long walk.

2014saram

Definitely. All types of exercise will relieve stress. I usually try to increase my cardio during stressful times. Walking on a regular basis will do wonders if your stress is heavy and long term.

njitaliana

I love how exercise takes me to a different place. I focus on counting my reps and forget about everything else. Walking is great, too. Being outdoors, looking at trees and flowers, breathing deeply. It is exhilarating and relaxing at the same time.
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