Working Out for the Over-Worked

For the over-worked, there is a good chance that time at the gym may be one of the first things to fall off of the calendar when time is running short and energy levels are low. However, there are many reasons to prioritize your workout as a way to deal with, and reduce your stress.

There have been obvious linkages between working out and stress relief. Working out reduces stress hormones like Cortisol and increases endorphins which give your mood a natural boost. However, working out can also reduce stress in some not-so-obvious ways for those that are over-worked.

For the over-worked, not getting enough sleep may be a common occurrence. A benefit from working out is that even 20-30 minutes of exercise a day can lead to deeper sleep at night. So even if you aren't able to get as much sleep as you need, you will feel more rested if you are exercising during the day.

For many people, especially women, shopping for clothes and figuring out what to wear each day can take additional time if you are not happy with your appearance. For those that are overworked, being confident and happy with your appearance can reduce the time it takes to get ready in the morning and can alleviate this potential stressor from your day. Feeling good about how you look, together with feeling confident about your ability to do your job, will help the over-worked to tackle the challenges they face and be successful.

Many people that are over-worked feel like they do not have enough time to spend with friends or their significant other. Spending time with the ones you love helps to reduce stress and maintain your focus on what is important in life. When time is short, a great way to reconnect is to become workout buddies. This way, you can take advantage of the great benefits of working out and have time to connect with your friends or significant other on a routine basis. Just make sure to not talk about work the whole time you are at the gym. In addition, be respectful. If you are the one speaking, do not expect an immediate answer while the other is performing a set; let them focus on their breathing and motions.

Working out might not be high on the priority list for the over-worked but there are many benefits that should not be ignored. Having a workout routine and sticking with it can help to reduce stress, improve sleep, increase confidence, and maintain relationships.

Need more tips or ideas on where to get started with your exercise plan to reduce stress? Check out a variety of exercises at http://www.chunkfitness.com/exercises. All exercises are broken down by muscle group with listings of primary, secondary, and tertiary muscles worked. Not only will you feel better mentally, but you'll start to look better physically. Take it from me, this is a great online resource to use.

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