The most popular reason we find for people taking up exercise is weight management, however, stress is often a health issue sited by many. Exercise and stress management go hand in hand. Are you someone who comes home from work feeling stressed? How do you unwind? Do you head for the biscuit tin, a glass of wine or a pint of beer? Do you crash out when you return from a long day at the office? How do you feel when you return from a stressful day? Stress can affect your body in so many ways. Men, in particular, may observe low t levels or even sexual dysfunctions that can be attributed to stress and other poor lifestyle choices. For many the last thought on your mind will be to go out and do some exercise. However, exercise is proven to be a real stress buster. Not only does it give you more energy to cope with tough days but it also helps you relax, makes you feel good and improves your sleep pattern. So it is a ‘win, win’ situation.
I asked a few of our members how they managed to come along to our groups after a stressful day at work. The general consensus was that making a commitment was vital – either signing up to a group or arranging to meet a friend. Sometimes it is a battle to get out of the door but miss a session and that spells trouble. The other important factor was getting out straight away – avoiding going home, sitting down and having that cup of tea, putting temptation before you. Arranging to exercise at a place on the way home from work seemed to be a very successful way of getting into the exercise habit.