More Time … Less Stress
August 6, 2024
90% Mental
90percentmental.com “Training gives us an outlet for suppressed energies created by stress and thus tones the spirit just as exercise conditions the body.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger
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How many times have we said that we wish there were more hours in a day? Trying to juggle work, family, time for our friends and, most importantly, time for ourselves. It seems like time for us is the first luxury that we eliminate. We prioritize our day by being productive and if we have time when it is all said and done, we can get in a workout or push it out to tomorrow. The truth is, no matter how many things we get done, our list of things to do is never ending and there will always be more get done.
Making a schedule for the week is crucial to maximizing your productivity. Doing your least favorite task first is the best because then as the day progresses, you don’t have the tedious paperwork to go through or a hundred emails to return and you can move on to more challenging and interesting work. A schedule should also be realistic and not a wish list of everything that you would like to get done. Set aside time for social media, breaks, and unexpected events that can arise. Prioritize your list so if you cannot get to everything, you have accomplished the most important tasks and feel as though you had a successful and productive day.
We often think of working out as an optional luxury, however, implementing an exercise program into your day can not only help to maintain your weight and physical health but has a variety of proven benefits for your mental health. Since the COVID 19 pandemic, depression, stress, and anxiety have all risen substantially in people around the world. A study done by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour a day reduces the risk of major depression by 26%. When you exercise, powerful chemicals called endorphins are produced in your brain. These chemicals relieve stress and give you a feeling of euphoria. They also help you concentrate, stimulate the growth of new brain cells, and help prevent age-related decline. According to research done at the Turku PET Centre at the University of Turku, doing high intensity interval training releases the most endorphins.
Making exercise a top priority on your schedule will create a healthy habit that will increase your energy, manage your stress, and will do wonders for your spirit.
