Don't turn to unhealthful habits to handle the stress, such as drinking alcohol, smoking and overeating. Develop positive strategies for coping with stress, including brisk walking, relaxation, using humor or keeping events in their proper perspective. Research tells us that regular exercise is one of the best ways to combat stress and can even help us fend off depression. But when we get busy we neglect our normal patterns of exercise. While this is understandable, it's well to realize that walking for 20 minutes can restore lost energy and lift the spirit.
Exercise enhances feelings of well-being and reduces depression and anxiety.
It improves our ability to handle stress, which is why it is so important to work some exercise into a packed schedule. Exercise also promotes a good night's sleep, something we need at this time of year. We don't need to be training for a marathon or engaging in a strenuous fitness program to reap the benefits. Moderate exercise is better for improving mood than excessively long, strenuous workouts. The goal is to feel pleasantly tired, a normal feeling after any physical activity.