Working Out When Stressed: How to Choose a Workout | SELF

But figuring out which to lean on when everything feels all over the place is a bit trickier.Throughout my time in fitness, I’ve discovered how important it is to really listen to your body and not to push yourself into exercise or activity that would only be more of a stressor. We need to learn to ignore that voice and instead allow our actual physical, mental, and emotional needs to dictate our actions.After years of leaning on movement to help me work through grief, identity crises, breakups, degrees, repressed trauma, and all the other ups and downs life throws at us, I’ve found that there are a handful of recurring scenarios that tend to appear during these times, where I want to move my body but am feeling too scattered to know what’s best in the moment. Here’s what I’ve found to work best for me in each of these moods.In this scenario, I’m mentally exhausted or emotionally spent, but my body is craving movement. If you are a habitual mover and shaker, your body will likely thank you for this.Take a walk: As I’ve said previously, I’m a huge fan of walking, and I think it can do wonders for your mental, emotional, and physical health.Do the self-care things: Take a bath. Or take a yin yoga or meditation class.In this scenario, I’m not sure how I feel physically or mentally. But, if I’m not feeling it, my body doesn’t seem to want to cooperate, or I’m still distracted, I might try some other type of activity or something else altogether.Opt for something energy-producing rather than depleting: Again, this might not be the time to go for incredibly intense workouts. I have a specific beach I like to go to which will generally cure any of those scenarios, a walk I know I can take at the drop of a hat, some self-care options ready to go, and a meditation that I know will always help.Movement is my savior and it tends to be what alleviates my stress, but movement can also put stress on the body.