Part 7/8:
Addressing chronic stress requires more than just identifying its sources. Engaging in physical activities that promote healthy stress management is essential. Exercise can serve as a productive outlet for excess energy associated with chronic stress. Like the zebra running from the lion, humans have the capacity to engage in physical activity consciously.
Going to the gym or engaging in outdoor activities can help dissipate the build-up of stress hormones and lead to better emotional states, thereby achieving balance within the HPA axis. This practice establishes a feedback loop whereby engaging in physical exertion effectively counters the negative impacts of chronic stress on mental health.