... by fitting in exercise.

The frantic corporate & social whirlwind that many professionals find themselves living in Britain in 2012, it is no surprise that physical activity falls down the priority pecking order… but as all the evidence suggests, it can play one of the most important roles in helping you to deal with modern day stresses and maxisiming your effectiveness both at work and at home.

Now let me firstly set the scene. This is not a 'righteous rant' by a gym maniac who fits in 20 hours exercise a week and can't wait for the next sprint triathlon!  I'm an extremely busy 32 year old, with a daughter of 4, a wife who works full time (as well as trying to fit in re-training to be a solicitor) and a list of jobs outside of the office, that never seem  to get done.  As part of a successful growing business, the demands on my time are probably similar to all of you who find the idea of a trying to add anything additional to a normal week, a ridiculous concept.

That said, never has my exercise been more important or valuable to me.

Research suggests exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, has consistently been shown to be effective in helping individuals manage stress. Research also indicates that exercise seems to relieve mild depression, elevate mood and help people maintain their 'cool' during trying times.

So why make the effort?

Exercise can help you feel less anxious.

Exercise is being prescribed in clinical settings to help treat nervous tension. Following a session of exercise, clinicians have measured a decrease in electrical activity of tensed muscles. People have been observed to be less jittery and hyperactive after an exercise session.

Exercise can help relax you.

One exercise session generates 90 to 120 minutes of relaxation response. Some people call this post-exercise euphoria or the endorphin response. We now know that many neurotransmitters, not just endorphins, are involved. The important thing is not what they're called, but what they do - they improve your mood and leave you feeling more relaxed.

Exercise can help make you feel better about yourself.

Think about those times when you've been physically active. Haven't you felt better about yourself? Those feelings of accomplishment and greater self-worth contribute to stress relief.

Exercise can encourage you to eat better.

People who exercise regularly tend to eat more nutritious food. And it's no secret that good nutrition helps your body manage stress better.

In this potentially highly stressful working world, executives are taking steps to relieve anxiety and promote emotional well being, with the idea that doing so will make them more productive and motivated. Add to this the obvious health benefits and exercise, whether that's yoga or squash, football or fencing it is vital to obtain a balance and keep the stress levels in check.

KEYWORDS:

Exercise, work life balance, fitness, keeping fit, depression, aerobics, stress, health, well being, physical, exercise.