Find out how to become more resilient below :
Chronic stress will significantly deplete you both physically and mentally.
Negatively impacting your immune system, destroying cardiovascular health and contributing to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other cardiovascular problems. Stress hormones can increase heart rate and constrict blood vessels, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Further negative impact happens at the digestive system, destruction of sleep quality, weight and fat gain especially around the belly and hips.
Finally leading to mental health disorders, memory and cognitive function decline, accelerated aging and musculoskeletal issues.
Building resilience through strength training, optimal nutrition and positive sleep hygiene will help you tolerate more stress and function at a high level.
This will only work however, if your baseline is one where you are holding yourself to the highest standards when it comes to training, nutrition and recovery(sleep).
Strength training, particularly when performed consistently, can help build resilience to stress in several ways:
Hormonal Regulation: Strength training can positively impact hormone levels in the body. While acute stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone associated with the body's "fight or flight" response, regular strength training can help regulate cortisol levels over time. This can lead to a more balanced stress response and reduce the negative effects of chronic stress.
Endorphin Release: Strength training, like other forms of exercise, stimulates the release of endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Endorphins promote feelings of well-being and can help combat the symptoms of stress, such as anxiety and depression.
Improved Sleep: Regular exercise, including strength training, has been shown to improve sleep quality and duration. Adequate sleep is crucial for managing stress effectively, as it allows the body to recover and recharge. By promoting better sleep, strength training can enhance resilience to stress and improve overall well-being.
Enhanced Cognitive Function: Exercise, including strength training, has been linked to improved cognitive function and resilience to stress-related cognitive decline. Physical activity promotes the release of growth factors in the brain, which support the growth and maintenance of brain cells. This can lead to better memory, focus, and decision-making abilities, helping individuals better cope with stressors.
Confidence and Self-Efficacy: Strength training can increase feelings of self-confidence and self-efficacy, which refer to a person's belief in their ability to achieve goals and overcome challenges. Successfully completing challenging workouts and achieving fitness milestones can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment, making individuals more resilient in the face of stressors.
Physical Health Benefits: Strength training contributes to overall physical health by increasing muscle strength, bone density, and metabolic function. A strong, healthy body is better equipped to handle the physiological effects of stress and will be less susceptible to stress-related illnesses.
Stress Reduction: Strength training can serve as a form of active stress relief. Engaging in a focused, physically demanding activity can provide a temporary distraction from stressors and help individuals manage their emotions more effectively.