Lately, I've been feeling some stress at my job. Like most jobs, mine has a fair dose of stress that simply comes with the territory. Learning how to manage and deal with that stress is my problem.
I've thought a lot about what would help me be less stressed out. For one, losing weight would probably make me feel better, as carrying less weight simply comes with less stress. But also, the act by which I lose it, eating healthier, working out, might actually make me feel better as well.
When I'm in a very high stress situation, my first instinct is not typically to workout at the gym. My heart is already racing and I can't see how being at the gym, around a whole slew of people is going to make me feel better. That, coupled with the crazy loud techno music blaring is the recipe for the opposite actually.
But if I workout outside, all by myself, I find that actually calms my mind quite well. I've never been a runner and I certainly am not one now, but even a long walk outside with my iPod makes me feel a lot better than when I started.
If I have time, and one is conveniently scheduled, I like to take a Pilates class to relieve stress. The movements in the class are sweat-inducing, yet soothing, and the music and instructor's instructions are sometimes just the trick to get me to slow down and think about just me, my mind, my body and my soul. I don't care for Yoga too much however, as I often find myself struggling to get into the positions and frustrated when I cannot.
What about you? What kind of workout makes you feel better when you're stressed?
posted @ Tuesday, August 31, 2010 8:22 PM