Stress: A Helpful Tool In Reaching Your Fitness Goals

You may know that exercise is one way to beat stress and is used in many ways as a natural stress reducer. For one; Physical activity may help bump up the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins. In August 2020, the Mayo Clinic stated that exercise increases your sense of wellbeing and overall health, which puts more energy in your life daily.

Is stress necessary in life?

As a reality of life, stress is unavoidable —  but it isn’t always bad. Stress is a physical and natural response that can trigger your fight-or-flight response. By allowing us to act quickly at the moment, stress increases our awareness of dangerous and difficult situations. How we respond to stress helps us react and deal with something potentially threatening and then learn from it. There is research that shows that moderate, short-lived stress can improve alertness and performance and boost memory.

Depending on the situation, stress can be positive or negative. You have positive stressors (eustress) that may include an upcoming wedding, holidays, or pregnancy. On the other hand, negative stress (distress) results in a full-blown stress response.

How can stress be positive for health and wellbeing?

If you can view stress as a challenge or something you can strive to overcome, your results are more likely to turn into positive outcomes. i.e., help motivate you to work harder. Stress can lead you to positive effects overall if you respond to stress with healthy behaviors that improve your situation.

How can some stress be good for you?

Stress enhances motivation. …
Stress can build resilience and encourage growth. …
Stress can promote bonding. …
Stress is part of a meaningful life.
What are examples of positive personal good Stress?

Receiving a promotion or raise at work.
Starting a new job.
Marriage.
Buying a home.
Having a child.
Moving.
Taking a vacation.
Holiday seasons.

Can stress make you stronger?

A Stanford psychologist in May 2015 talked about research finding out that stress can make us stronger and happier if we are willing and open our minds to it. Therefore, viewing stressful situations more positively seems to encourage people to cope in ways that help them thrive.

It is a must to know that everyone responds to stress differently, so it’s important to understand what stresses you and how to handle it. Also, it is equally important to remember that stress is an unavoidable reality of life, and stress isn’t always negative. It’s a natural, physical response that can increase our awareness in difficult or dangerous situations, allowing us to act quickly at the moment. Without it, we humans wouldn’t have survived this long!

Everyone should understand that stress is a normal part of life, but it can be detrimental to your health if stress remains constant for long periods. Exercise and physical activity have some stress-busting benefits. Still, some stress is good and helpful. Stress can positively improve your situation, alertness, and performance, including reaching your overall health and fitness goals.

So to answer the question; Can stress be a valuable tool in reaching fitness goals? Yes!

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