Trent Harmala ‘28, News Editor
The cold is creeping into South Lyon, and with that comes the weight of the school year. Between school, work, and many other responsibilities, stress can easily become part of daily life. While some stress is normal, too much stress can leave you feeling overwhelmed and mentally drained. Finding ways to healthily manage stress is important. One of the most effective ways to do so is engaging in regular physical activity.
There are many types of physical activity, but one of the most proven “medicines for stress” is running — or a sport that involves it. Running increases the heart rate. When your heart rate stays increased for at least 15 to 20 minutes, running can have immediate beneficial effects. You may experience what is known as a “runner’s high,” which according to Thomas Watson of Marathon Handbook, is a “…flood of neurochemicals that kick in after a sustained bout of physical exercise.” These neurochemicals make you feel calm, relaxed, and much less stressed. Junior Ben Lewis said, “Whenever I play soccer… all my anxiety from the school day or extracurriculars fades out, and I get to decompress.” Your daily physical activity is not limited to running, however. It can be any activity or past time that keeps your heart rate elevated.
Another excellent way to cope with stress is strength training. Strength training provides an alternate task to sustain your attention, rather than the things that are weighing you down. According to a blog written by The Sporting Movement, “… the routine focus that strength training requires can provide a positive outlet and a sense of accomplishment.” Junior Jackson Hamel backed this statement, and said, “I like lifting because it helps take my mind off of things. Afterward, I feel better about myself because I’ve accomplished something I can be proud of.”
If you are feeling overly stressed out, do not hesitate to do something about it; start managing your stress now. Letting your stress fester makes it worse, and can leave you mentally exhausted. Exercising is widely considered as the most effective method to deal with pressure. Staying active, whether by going for a run, playing sports, going to the gym, or simply taking a walk, staying active can relieve the pressure of everyday life. You do not have to spend hours each day in the gym, or run for miles; you just have to find something that works for you, and that you enjoy doing.
