Managing Stress by Pierrie Miller [Pierrie Miller is an Athletic Development Intern at Athletic Lab] *Reimaged from 2014

Effective Strategies for Stress Management

Although there are many forms of stress or stressors that we encounter in our daily lives, for the purpose of this blog, we will adopt a specific definition of stress that encapsulates its essence. Stress can be understood as the body’s reaction to a change or challenge in its environment. This reaction necessitates a physical, mental, or emotional adjustment or response to the stimuli that we face. In our fast-paced world, we all inevitably deal with stress in various forms, whether it be in the workplace, during our daily commutes on the road, while engaging in competitive video gaming, or even during a particularly tough day at the gym lifting weights. Stress is one of those universal experiences in life that is unavoidable, and its presence can be felt in countless situations.

The importance of managing stress effectively cannot be overstated, as failing to do so could lead to a plethora of health issues. Research has indicated that unmanaged stress can manifest in physical ailments such as chronic headaches, elevated blood pressure, and even contribute to the rising incidence of obesity (Kolehmainen & Sinha 2014). Furthermore, studies have demonstrated a correlation between sedentary lifestyles and higher perceived levels of stress among individuals (Sousa et al. 2014). This relationship may stem from the fact that stress often diminishes an individual’s motivation to engage in physical activity, leading to a cycle of inactivity and heightened stress levels. Additionally, an excess of perceived stress has been linked to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which can further complicate one’s ability to cope with everyday challenges.

Despite the overwhelming nature of stress, it is crucial to recognize that we still possess the power to choose how we react to it. This choice can indeed be the defining factor in our ability to navigate through stressful situations. For instance, performing a technical movement like a snatch in front of a crowd of 1,000 people may induce significant stress for many athletes. However, it is precisely under this kind of pressure that some of our greatest athletes find their strength and excel, showcasing their ability to transform stress into a driving force for success.

Learning to manage stress in a constructive and positive manner can have a profound and lasting impact on our overall quality of life. Kolehmainen et al. (2014) found that some individuals effectively cope with stress through exercise. Interestingly, while exercise itself can be considered a form of physical stress, it has been shown to significantly reduce feelings of anxiety, enhance mental function, and lead to an overall decrease in health-related illnesses (Deslandes et al. 2009). This highlights the paradoxical nature of stress: while it can be detrimental, it can also serve as a catalyst for personal growth and resilience when approached with the right mindset.

Given the wealth of information available, it is clear that while stress is an inevitable part of life, our reactions to it are ultimately our choice. Engaging in physical activity emerges as a powerful and effective option for managing stress. Therefore, let us commit to lifting our way past stress and into a stronger, healthier future, embracing the challenges that life throws our way and using them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

References include a range of studies highlighting the significant relationship between exercise and mental health. Deslandes et al. (2009) explore numerous reasons to engage in physical activity, emphasizing its positive impact on neuropsychobiology. De Sousa et al. (2014) associate a sedentary lifestyle with increased perceived stress, underscoring the importance of physical activity. Stults-Kolehmainen and Sinha (2013) examine how stress affects exercise habits, providing insights into the complex interplay between stress and physical activity. KITA (2014) discusses the potential of exercise to induce brain plasticity and regulate mental functions, emphasizing its role in enhancing mental health.