5 Ways to Cut Stress

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Relax your mind and body with these strategies.

Stay consistent with your workouts, even when traveling. 

One way to do it? Research what equipment will be available at your hotel and create a program tailored to the facility, advises Julie Bonnett, Oxygen fitness model and physique consultant in Winnipeg, Canada. You can also plan several jogging routes before you arrive so you can exercise while exploring your surroundings.

Stretch during your warm-up. 

“Sometimes it can be overwhelming to plan your workout beforehand, so stretching lightly first will help you establish what body parts are already sore and which are feeling fresh,” Bonnett says. “Then, create your workout to target the less-tired areas.” Listening to your body, rather than planning a full routine ahead of time, will save you time and make for a less stressful trip.

Begin your day by working out.

The sooner you get it done, the less likely other obligations will stand in the way of fitting it in.

Multitask during cardio. 

Write out your to-do list while on the upright bike, or time your treadmill run to watch your favorite TV show at the gym. “I even start laundry and throw a tray of chicken in the oven before one of my at-home fat-burning spin sessions,” Bonnett adds. With less to do after your training session, you’re more likely to feel calm.

Keep a workout blog. 

Journal your workouts, take a progress picture every day (or week), and tell your friends and family about your routine. When others know about your accomplishments, you will feel more accountable and be more motivated to make time for exercise.