As a young adult and as a college student living through 2020, I encounter many stressors in my day-to-day life. While there are many ways to deal with the stresses of an impending deadline or current event, I find that some are healthier for me than others. Talking things out with a friend, playing with a pet, relaxing outdoors, and cooking are all excellent ways to reduce stress. However, working out has consistently proven itself to be the most enjoyable, rewarding, and effective way to relieve stress for me.
As soon as I start to feel the anxiety or dread that attaches itself to something stressful I am experiencing, I take a break from what I am doing and find a way to exercise. Stress can cause a lack of productivity or a decline in my quality of work. I’d rather return to my obligations or activities with a fresher mindset instead of trying to power through it when my brain is frazzled. In many ways, working out provides a similar sort of stress relief to a nap. It clears the head and resets the body.
No matter how difficult a workout is, the feeling I get after completing it is amazing. I feel accomplished for sticking it out through the whole thing and the soreness of my muscles is a reminder that my body is getting stronger. When I finish exercising, I feel productive and my problems don’t seem as daunting as before.
I like to stay active and work on my strength because it makes me less afraid of my abilities and of the world. Fear often manifests itself into stress and it can be hard to overcome it sometimes. Working out is something that strengthens my body and mind and helps combat the small fears I encounter in my life.