8/2/2022 - By JJ Jansen

Coming up on the tail end of the summer, I am sure this year, like most, has presented its unique challenges. This could be related to weather, turf issues cropping up, or labor shortages that have carried over from 2021. Any one of these issues can lead to added stress factors in both your work and personal life. This is why it's important for us all to remember how crucial it is to take care of ourselves and figure out ways to handle stress factors as they arise.

Coping with Stress

This all starts with making a plan/routine and sticking to it every single day. For example, in my own life, some sort of exercise or physical activity has helped me with starting my day right. The first thing I do before starting my workday, is go to the gym and get at least 60 minutes of physical activity in.

This may look different for everyone and what it means to be active, but there is always time in the day to knock out at least 30 minutes of exercise, and besides, it's good for you! Physical activity helps release endorphins (which are chemicals or hormones your body produces when it feels pain or stress), which dramatically help to improve your overall sense of well-being.

Exercise

Regular exercise can also increase your self-confidence, improve your mood and help you relax, both throughout your day and once it's over. Exercise helps to improve your sleep, which is often disrupted by stress and having a million and one things on your mind with no way to relieve it. If you haven’t exercised for some time or you have any health concerns, check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine, and remember to take things at your own pace.

Start small and build up as you go, you don’t want to risk overdoing it or possible injury. Short 30-minute walks in the morning or evening a few times a week is a great starting point, and from there you can progress to longer intervals as your body adapts. It is a marathon and not a race, you will not see changes overnight!

Reap the Benefits!

God has given us each one body and one mind to steward. We all experience stress and tough working conditions in some sort of fashion, so then it is our duty to make sure we are handling those stressors properly. It is important to take care of ourselves and in doing so, this will lead to better overall health, work decisions, and future-proofing when those tough times arise again.

So then, my advice to you? Find an activity you enjoy and make it a part of your routine! I think you'll be surprised at just how big of a difference that small change can make in all areas of your life.