Unlocking the Stress Cycle with Exercise

Lake in Peru

This past week, I've been especially stressed and overwhelmed with life. It felt as if though as soon as I completed one task on my to-do list, multiple new tasks would appear. At work, I've been juggling many daunting responsibilities all at once. And at home, I've been trying to keep up with chores, bills, and a new kitten. But it doesn't stop there! My main side job is cat-sitting, and with the holidays coming up, I've gotten more reservations than usual. I also find time to write, journal, and more recently, exercise, every day. I am always trying to be productive, but lately, it feels like... too much. And simultaneously, it feels like it's still not enough. Ever felt this way?

I am always excited for Mondays. It's the first day of a new week, and there are so many exciting possibilities and opportunities ahead. It's a chance to start fresh. With the Central Florida weather getting more and more pleasant, I feel exceptionally at ease. But mid-way through the week, things don't seem as exciting anymore. The hours at work seem to drag on and it feels like my shift is never going to end. After I clock out and close my laptop for the day, I don't feel like doing anything else. But of course, there is still so much to do. And also, there's not enough time. Oh and, everything is on fire. Smile!

Not too long ago, I picked up a book titled Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski. I started reading it and I was waiting for my stress to magically disappear. But there was something in there that stuck with me: When stress builds up in your body, you have to release the stress hormones somehow. Otherwise, you'll be forever stuck in the stress cycle. And that leads to burnout.

One of the ways you can release stress is through physical release. I used to dread exercise because it kind of felt like torture. So I made a plan for myself to integrate exercise in my daily routine, so that it feels more natural and not like a chore. I already did this successfully with meditation. At this point, meditating is just one of my natural habits. I did it inconsistently at first, but after doing it every day for months, it feels unnatural to not do it. So there's that.

I already love yoga, but it's not as intense as other types of exercise. My idea is that in order to really release stress and tension in the body, you have to put in the (sweaty) work. You have to get your heart rate up; it's good for your heart. Personally, the more intense the workout, the more satisfied I feel. It's smart to follow safety guidelines for working out, so you don't burn out even more. For example, HIIT is meant to be short. It is okay to feel a little uncomfortable at first, but don't push yourself to extremes. You can gain significant benefits from physical movement just by making a solid plan and sticking with it. Consistency, discipline, and rest are essential.

This has been mentioned many times throughout my blog, but here it is again: Small, intentional actions add up and compound over time. Most real changes don't happen overnight, so it's important to show up for yourself consistently. If you miss a day, come back the next day. If you slip up, get back on track. What matters is that you put in the work. Then you can reap the benefits. Trust the process!

Buy me a coffee: Carla's Buy Me a Coffee

Join my Patreon: Sacred Glow Boutique