While exercise is typically a positive stressor, if you are under chronic stress all day long, working out the wrong way can actually be more harmful and cause injury.
It's important to remember that something you may have always done and been okay with may not be the thing you are okay with right now when it comes to exercise, nutrition, and the like. Being honest and listening to your own body's cues is very important (before it's too late!).
Exercises that are appropriate during stressful times:
- Weight Lifting: only 50-70% of max capacity! Check your ego at the door and keep the adrenaline to a minimum.
- Walking
- Yoga/Pilates
- Swimming: forced to focus on your breath
- Isometric Movements: holding positions and challenging balance
Exercises that are NOT appropriate during stressful times:
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
- Metabolic Training