Hi there,
Welcome back to ‘Hey Coach Darren’ – the advice column where I’ll be sharing my top three tips on a different topic each week, inspired by real-life scenarios from our current members (and you)!
The question in the subject of this email was of course rhetorical – everybody feels stressed at some point in life! It is part of being human.
And because experiencing stress is a formality, it is important to learn how to cope with it and try to do things to reduce it, too. That was the goal of this FitTRAC member who has been feeling stressed on her non-workout days:
“Hey Coach Darren, I’ve noticed that on the days I work out, I feel less stressed. I look forward to my workouts, and they serve as a great stress reliever too! But because of my busy schedule, I can only manage to work out 2-3 days per week.
On those other days that I’m not working out, including weekends, I often feel a significantly higher level of stress. My job is demanding, and commuting takes up a significant chunk of my time. I also have the responsibility of getting my kids to their various activities and taking care of my elderly mother at home.
Work and family are of course important and things that I want to be responsible for, but I feel rushed and nonstop busy and the stress adds up. Then I don’t get to work out and that doesn’t help the feeling.
I would love to learn alternative ways to reduce and cope with stress that don’t involve working out. Can you help?”
Working out can be a great stress reliever, so keep that up! But if working out isn’t a possibility every day, no worries, there are many others things you can do to manage stress and reduce it. Here are the tips I shared to this member:
Connect with nature (and family): Spending time in nature can have a calming effect on the mind and body. Take advantage of any nearby green spaces, parks, or trails. Go for a walk, have a picnic, or simply sit and enjoy the tranquility of nature. The fresh air, sunlight, and natural surroundings can help alleviate stress and rejuvenate your spirit.
If time permits, plan a weekend outing with your family to explore a new hiking trail or visit a nearby beach. Nature provides a powerful antidote to stress and allows you to recharge in a peaceful environment.
Speaking of family, spending quality time with your loved ones can be a great stress reliever. Plan regular family activities that everyone can enjoy together, such as game nights, movie marathons, or outdoor adventures. Engaging in shared experiences and creating joyful memories will not only strengthen your family bonds but also provide a much-needed break from daily stressors.
Practice gratitude: Cultivating a grateful mindset can shift your focus away from stress and towards appreciation. Each day, take a few moments to reflect on things you are grateful for. Write them down in a gratitude journal or share them with your family at dinner. By acknowledging the positive aspects of your life, you invite more positivity and reduce stress levels.
This can also be useful when thinking about your responsibilities in life. Feeling gratitude for having your children, your mom, your job, and your ability to handle so many things at once – you’re basically a superhero! It isn’t always easy, but shifting your mindset to feel thankful for the opportunities to be busy can be a great way to ease your mind and cope with the stress of the things you’re responsible for.
Prioritize self-care: Self-care is crucial for managing stress. Try dedicating some time each day for self-care activities that nourish your body and mind.
It can start with finding activities that bring you joy and allow you to escape from daily stressors. It could be reading a book, listening to music, painting, dancing, or any hobby that helps you relax and recharge. Carve out dedicated time for these activities regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. They serve as a reminder to prioritize self-care and provide a much-needed break from the demands of daily life.
Prioritizing self-care demonstrates self-love and helps you recharge, reducing the impact of stress on your overall well-being.
Remember, managing stress is a journey, and it’s important to find what works best for you. But if you try incorporating these tips into your routine, the hope is that you’ll be better equipped to handle stress even on the days when you can’t work out (and everyday!).
Stay tuned for next week’s ‘Hey Coach Darren’ where I’ll be sharing more valuable tips to help you become happier, healthier, and stronger.
Stronger Together,
Coach Darren
P.S. Do you need help with your health and fitness? Just hit ‘Learn more’ and I’ll be sure to give you some tips in an upcoming ‘Hey Coach Darren’ blog post.