Bodybuilding and Stress Relief
I started drafting this post a couple of weeks ago, finally got around to finishing it on a work break today:
The nature of my profession can bring with it a lot of stress. I am more fortunate than many in that I am self-employed and have built my business to the point where I can minimize a lot of the stress i.e. only accept good clients and have some flexibility in my schedule. In spite of my efforts though there are times that some stress cannot be avoided. The last few weeks and I suspect the next few will be one of those stressful times. I am finding, however, that my ability to cope with stress is vastly improved in the last few years as compared to earlier in my life. I’m positive the difference is bodybuilding!
Pre-bodybuilding, work related stress would cause me to become grumpy, withdrawn and even a little depressed. I used binge-eating for stress relief, and of course this probably made me feel even worse physically. Now that I am fully committed to bodybuilding, trying to eat, sleep and work out like a committed bodybuilder, I am having an entirely different reaction to the work stress. Mentally I am more focused, things aren’t getting to me, I’m taking it all in stride. I am doing the best I can and not worrying about things I can’t control. Physically, I’m feeling great and don’t have any cravings for junk food at all. I am following my same eating routine which is keeping my metabolism humming and my energy high. Being able to go to the gym regularly (which I will never sacrafice for any work circumstance) is keeping my spirits high and the workouts themselves are helping me release any stress that may be lingering.
I read a blog in which someone said that one of the things they find so satisfying about bodybuilding is that the evidence and reward of all their hard work is with them at all times. After 5 years 8 months working out I can now relate to that feeling. After hating the mirror for so long I now make a point of looking at my progress. I am pleased with what I see and know that I DID THAT…it was the result of my decisions and actions and I know I can keep transforming if I want to…what a feeling of empowerment, I’m in control of my own body, not a slave to it! I know I’m rambling and getting off topic but these are the thoughts that are coming out of me as I type and it’s important to express them. Is this vanity, to look at yourself and like what you see? How can feeling so good about life and your accomplishments, and wanting to keep improving be a negative thing? Any thoughts?
Anyway, a final comment on stress relief. The mere fact I can sit at my desk and feel the DOMS, flex a little or stretch a little, these simple things remind me of how good bodybuilding makes me feel and that seems to push away any stress I may be experiencing at that moment.
Thank you bodybuilding for everything you do for me!
November 9, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Nothing wrong with looking at yourself & liking what you see, unless it becomes an obsession to crowds out time with family, etc. I agree that workouts are a GREAT form or stress relief. But there are certain forms of stress that I find it only going so far, and that’s when my lifetime habit of stress eating becomes a battle.
Keep charging Tony. 5 yrs, 8 mths? Eating clean? Time for some progress pics……..
November 9, 2009 at 1:04 pm
I’ve had the same experience with my stress level. I am much better equipped to handle the tough times when I’m working out.
November 9, 2009 at 2:17 pm
You have done all that
It’s vanity if someone’s main reason for doing it is to make themselves look better instead BE better. I see profiles where guys write that work out to impress "the ladies", get a six pack, look good at the beach, or all of those. None of those goals has a focus related to the lifestyle changes toward health, fitness, or strength and the self improvement that comes from the process. Looking at what you have accomplished as a symbol of what you are as a person and what you are capable of mentally and physically is different.
November 9, 2009 at 2:25 pm
nice blog,agree,training helps with stress. but for me it is one part,healthy family life is another,enough sleep,oh yeah and a good holiday!
November 9, 2009 at 2:26 pm
I agree fully and as Al and Brad said the vanity thing is all up to you. I can see how I "could" become so vain, but I continue to try to improve inside and out for all of the reasons you stated. Keep at it Tony, it’s definitely made a positve difference.
November 10, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Hi Tony,
What inspiring words you give. We should all be so lucky to be proud of what we accomplish from hard work and feel really good about it. Feeling good is a stress reliever in itself. And no, it is not vanity, it is feeling good about goals that you accomplish. Yours just so happens to be in the ‘looking good’ arena. ~giggle~
I enjoyed reading your post. Keep up the great work and please continue to post, you are an inspiration…
November 10, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Nothing wrong with a little self admiration.