Using Exercise to Maintain My Sanity

Moving is stressful. Saying goodbye to friends is tough. Transitioning from one job to another brings a lot of unknown and complexities. Based on these three facts, the next six weeks should be a joy.

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Luckily, these days, even thirty minutes of physical activity can help relieve stress. Gone are the days when I crave a pint of Ben & Jerry’s to eat away my stress induced anxiety after a long day.

These days, I’ve decided that my mantra for the next six weeks will be to lace up my sneakers and go.

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Today I spent 30 minutes outside letting my thoughts run wild while I ran through a local park, enjoyed the sight of the Spring flowers and completed a quick 30-minute run. I didn’t track my pace or distance.

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I stopped twice, once to complete my 5-minute strength circuit and again to say hello to a friend. This was far different from the training runs a few weeks ago. But, don’t get me wrong. It served a purpose that was equally if not more important. It helped me relieve the stress that comes along with moving two people on two very different dates, while managing a full-time job and trying to enjoy the last few weeks in Europe.

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If April training focused on the half marathon, then May and June’s training focus will be using exercise to maintain my sanity.

I’ll be living alone for June, which means I’ll have plenty of time for evening yoga classes and early morning workouts. I’ll try a few new Les Mills classes at our office gym before I say goodbye to that membership.

What are your suggestions for managing stress the next six weeks?

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7 Comments

  1. Katie @ Live Half Full May 21, 2015 / 1:33 am

    It’s simple, but for me the best way to deal with stress is just to keep the perspective that the season will pass. It always helps!

    • ashleyd May 24, 2015 / 6:54 am

      Thanks Katie!

  2. Katie May 21, 2015 / 3:03 pm

    I’m stressed with job hunting right now (not even considering where I will live when I get the job…that will come). I’m really focusing on my water intake, and monitoring caffeine.

    • ashleyd May 24, 2015 / 6:54 am

      Great job Katie! Water is SO important!

  3. lynne May 21, 2015 / 7:06 pm

    as a gal moving across the country (not across the world!), i feel ya! moving is so stressful – the job transitioning, the packing, the apartment hunting, the ‘where the hell will i grocery shop?!’ and the ‘who the hell will be my friend?!’ i feel ya! i’ve been doing the same thing – putting down the work for 30+ minutes to get outside, get fresh air and just have some ‘me time’ to process it all!

    best of luck through these next few months and keep getting out to get active!

  4. eve May 21, 2015 / 7:26 pm

    Good luck on your move!
    Will you be sharing more information on why you have decided to move back? and why on two separate dates? that sounds so so so stressful!
    My favourite way to alleviate stress is long walks, or massages!

    • ashleyd May 24, 2015 / 6:53 am

      Hi Eve,
      Yes I will be sharing more information shortly!

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