Published August 14, 2025
Exercise can be an extremely powerful coping mechanism. Yes, we all know that it’s essential and necessary for our physical health. However, it can be just as beneficial for our mental health.
When something terrible happens, there are different ways to react. Negative coping mechanisms include addiction to alcohol and/or drugs. Some use food as the source. Others can’t get out of bed and sleep the pain away. The skyrocketing level of stress, the overwhelming sense of anxiety, the uncertainty of the future…we have to find a way to cope somehow.
Enter exercise. You don’t need to be athletic, and it doesn’t matter what shape you are currently in. Find something that works for you. It could be as simple as taking daily walks. Also, this could be the perfect time to try something new such as yoga or cycling. Maybe it’s a sport like golf or tennis. There are SO MANY exercise options, so keep trying until you find something that you like! Pilates, barre, strength training, running, hiking, power walking, rowing, swimming, kickboxing, aerobics, dancing, whatever gets you to be active.
If you can’t decide, then just get outside and walk. If your mind is going into overdrive with emotions and stress, I promise that you’ll feel better after movement. Exercise releases endorphins which are natural mood boosters produced by our brains. Some benefits of exercise-induced endorphins include improvement in mood and emotional regulation, a reduction in the degree of stress and anxiety, and a boost in energy levels. Refer to my Blog from February 2025, when I first wrote about exercise as a pathway to healing.
By exercising, you are doing something so good for YOU! It’s time to take care of YOU because YOU are important! Don’t go down the rabbit hole by becoming addicted to a poor coping mechanism. Do you really think you deserve that? No, of course not. Redirect your energy and focus on doing something good for yourself. That energy has to go somewhere, so why not put it towards running until you reach that “runner’s high” or kickboxing where you can punch and kick away your pain? Or do yoga where you can hold poses while decluttering your mind.
The pain and stress will eliminate out with your sweat. You will feel so much better. Sweat it away. You might even find yourself shedding some tears in the process, as the emotions get released with movement. And that’s okay! I actually think that is such a powerful way to release the stress.
The more you sit there and dwell on your situation, the more you are ruminating and making it worse. Don’t do that to yourself. Stop feeding yourself negative thoughts. Instead, lace up and go! It will aid in your healing journey.
What exercise have you done that has helped? What are you trying new? Message me at inquiry@sincerelyjulie.com or comment below. Also be sure to follow my Instagram for daily inspiration @sincerelyjulie_joyful_living.