Manage Stress through Exercise: How to Reduce Anxiety and Depression by Working Out

Learn to manage anxiety and stress through the amazing power of working out.

For many of us, working out can feel like something we should do, instead of something we want to do. Work piles up, errands need running, and your daughter just spilled finger paint all over her karate uniform. Time passes, and the next thing you know, you’re feeling exhausted and generally low.

So if you’re this worn out, who has time to get in some squats? The answer is a resounding YOU! Exercise is one of the best ways to learn to manage stress, while reducing anxiety and depression.

Newsflash: Exercise is Good for Stress

Everybody knows the power of a good workout for your physical health. Exercising helps you stay fit, reduces blood pressure, and combats diabetes. But what about the mental aspects of working out? Recently, extensive research has shown a direct connection between anxiety and working out. Getting in regular workouts can be hugely beneficial to your overall mood, stress level and keeping depression at bay. But how you ask?

The Big 3: Endorphins, Anxiety and Working Out

When you become physically active, your body releases natural chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins connect with neuron receptors in your brain to reduce pain perception. They also trigger an effect similar to that of morphine. Ever hear of a “runners’ high”? That’s the euphoric feeling that occurs when endorphins are being released. And unlike morphine, these drugs do not lead to dependence and addiction, although working out can certainly be addicting, just in a good way!

Coping, Confidence, Cardio: Using Exercise to Reduce Stress and Depression

Depression is something we all face, sooner or later. But for many of us, it can be a serious concern to our wellbeing and normal way of life. But not only does working out help us learn to manage stress, it’s also a great way to developing coping skills. Exercise takes us away from dwelling on negative feelings, and also helps us build confidence. Meeting fitness goals is one of the best ways to boost our self-esteem. Just remember to set realistic goals you can actually reach!

Finding the Time to Put You First

Now that we’ve established the positive effects of exercise to reduce anxiety and depression, let’s take a look at how to practically implement workouts into your busy schedule. If you truly are swamped at work (and in life), a good technique would be to start working out from home, either after you get home from work, or getting up a bit early to get your sweat on. With Studio SWEAT onDemand, you can get amazing online fitness classes, that you can stream from all your devices, at any hour of the day.

Waking up earlier, shooting home for lunch, or even working out right before bed can be an immeasurably positive experience. And, don’t think you need to devote an hour to every workout. You can break a sweat at home with a 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 minute workout. The goal should be to just break a sweat! Studio SWEAT onDemand has workouts of every length and you can do them right in the comfort of your own home! So, drop the excuses! Put yourself first, and squeeze them workouts in.