Got Stress? Get Moving.

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Feeling kind of stressed? You're not alone.

Stress is an inevitable part of our modern existence. Whether you're the president of a Fortune 500 company, a Kindergarten teacher, a construction worker, or a stay at home mom, you have stress to deal with. But you don't have to let it get the best of you.

By battling stress in your day-to-day routine, you can stop pulling your hair out and get back to living a more relaxed life.

How can you turn your stress-filled life on its head? With one of the best weapons against stress: EXERCISE.

Working Out Works:When stress is getting you down, you need something to kick you out of your funk. You need something that makes you feel good.

Did you know? Every time you exercise, you increase your body's production of endorphins. In case you didn't get the memo, endorphins are responsible for those good moods you get in after a race or the euphoria you feel while chomping down on a piece of chocolate.

Before you grab a piece of chocolate and skip the gym, however, remember the end result of each and choose which one will help you battle stress in the long run. (Hint: It's not the chocolate.)

Best Bets: Now that you know exercise reduces stress, you may be wondering which exercises will be most likely to keep you from banging your head against the wall. Ready to learn what exercise you should be performing as you wage war against stress? Here it is: whatever you enjoy doing.

That's right - any and all exercise you perform helps you fend off the effects of stress. So whether you enjoy jogging, lifting weights, playing basketball, practicing ballet, swimming, yoga, rowing, exercise classes or boxing, simply getting involved in your exercise of choice is sure to help reduce your stress.

Through the Brick Wall: Working out every day and not getting the stress relief you so eagerly desire? Then it's time to do things a little differently. If all you do is lift weights five days a week, you should add in walking, running or tennis (any cardiovascular exercise you enjoy) a couple days a week. And if the only exercise you do is cardiovascular exercise, it may be time to get off the treadmill and grab a dumbbell or two.

Still not working? Keep a diary of your progression. Write down how long and hard you exercise, the various weights you lift, and the steps you make toward whatever health goal you set for yourself. Take pictures along the way as well. Then look back over your journal on occasion. Seeing the progression when you feel you're not making progress may give you the confidence you need to put stress in its place and move on.

Take the stress out of planning your own workouts by exercising in the morning with a fun, exhilarating workout class at a gym or studio. Check your local listings in the newspaper or online or classes near you. You are also more than welcome to contact us at the Vermont State Employees' Wellness Program for ideas and tips. We have many great resources we would love to share!

As Nike's slogan says, "Just Do It!"....just do something - regardless of how small it may seem. Something is always better than nothing!
How Can You Achieve Even Less Stress?
In addition to exercise, get maximum stress reduction:
  1. Learn which situations cause you to experience unwanted stress, and avoid these situations. Can't avoid your boss or that awkward business luncheon? Then you'll need to use some brainpower. Think back to your last experience with the boss or the business lunch. How bad was it really? You survived it, and it wasn't really all that bad. Keep that in mind, and you'll be ready to take on whatever stressful situation comes your way.
  2. Make necessary lifestyle modifications. Did you know you're more likely to suffer stress when you're tired? Or did you know that when you don't feed your body well, your body isn't ready to handle stress as it would with a healthy diet? By getting plenty of shut-eye and eating healthily, you won't kiss stress goodbye altogether, but its effects will be diminished greatly.
Healthy wishes,

Jessica, Alissa, Maura, and Marilyn
Your Vermont State Employees' Wellness Program Staff

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