Research shows that almost 9 out of 10 Dutch people experience stress in their daily lives. In addition, more than half of them suffer from stress-related physical complaints, such as tense neck and shoulders, fatigue, and restlessness. These are quite impressive figures. In this blog post, Rémon Koetje, Lifestyle coach and trainer at Happy Bodies, explains how efficient workouts can help you tackle stress – literally.
Stress often stems from internal thoughts and stories we tell ourselves. The good news is that you can influence these stories, and therefore your stress level. The first thing you need to do is understand what stresses you out. This can range from work pressure to personal obligations. By gaining insight into your sources of stress, you can take targeted steps to address them. Make a list of your stressors and think of ways to cope with them. Sometimes, simply being aware of them is enough to gain a sense of control.
An effective way to reduce stress is to make strong commitments. This means setting clear, achievable goals and committing to them. Start with small, realistic goals and gradually work your way up to larger commitments. This might mean, for example, scheduling a short workout every day, setting aside time for relaxation, or doing some breathing exercises. By sticking to these commitments, you create structure and reduce chaos in your life. This increases your chances of success and reduces stress.
Breathing techniques can make a huge difference in how you manage stress. Try taking a few minutes daily for deep breathing exercises. This helps calm your nervous system and organize your thoughts. Mindful breathing can improve your focus and reduce stress. Exercises like the 4-7-8 technique or conscious abdominal breathing are easy to do at home or in the office.
Exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress. Short, efficient workouts can help you release tension and completely refresh your mind. Consider the Milon Circle, for example, which provides a complete workout in just 35 minutes per session. This method is ideal for people with busy schedules and helps you become stronger both physically and mentally. The Milon Circle offers a safe, effective workout for all ages and fitness levels.
Talk to friends, family, or colleagues about your stress and how you're feeling. It's important to seek that social support and stay connected with others. Sometimes just sharing your worries can make a big difference. Furthermore, social activities and exercising together can help lower your stress levels and improve your overall well-being. Social interaction creates a sense of connection and reduces feelings of isolation. We think about that at Happy Bodies too. Here, it's not every man for himself; there's interaction between the exercisers. As athlete Rianne already mentioned in her blog: "You don't have to meet your best friends here, but it's much more fun than at such a large, impersonal gym. The social aspect makes training much more fun and motivating." And that's exactly how it is!
Want to learn more about how to reduce stress and live a healthier life? At Happy Bodies, we're ready to guide you on your journey to less stress and more balance. Interested? Take the membership test and sign up for a free personal consultation and tour of the club. We bet you'll be hooked right away!
Want to know more about how to exercise effectively by training twice for 35 minutes every ten days, under the guidance of your own personal lifestyle coach? Then take the membership test and sign up for a free personal introductory meeting and tour of the club. We bet you'll be sold right away!
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