The Answer to Stress

Whether you're struggling to finish that term paper in time or hurrying to complete a project at work, stress affects everyone in practically every situation. For many people, instead of bringing "holiday cheer" the upcoming season will only bring even more stress and worry. Luckily, Reader's Digest offers some helpful advice on how to combat work-related stress, what the World Health Organization has termed "the health epidemic of the 21st century."

The journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise recently published a study that showed those with higher cardiovascular risks reported more stress than those who were in better physical shape. The study even showed different stress levels depending on the participants' level of fitness. When we feel stressed, it's difficult to be motivated to exercise, but that's just when we need it the most according to Professor Markus Gerber of the University of Basel, where the research study was performed. So when the stress starts piling up, schedule in an opportunity for some physical exercise.

The CDC encourages us to exercise in some form for at least two and a half hours per week. Though this might seem like a big chunk of time out of the calendar, it's easier to start by breaking up exercise into smaller segments throughout the day. Dr. Axe gives some great workout plans that are only 10 to 12 minutes long.

Stress is a major issue in our culture today. By setting time aside in our day for physical exercise, we can help reduce its affect on our lives as well as increase our overall health. Finding a type of physical activity that interests you like yoga,walking, running or a quick game of basketball is a good first step in the right direction. In my experience, starting with an activity that you like doing helps encourage you to try more challenging exercises which will ultimately build muscles and your resistance to everyday stress.