Exercise Relieves Stress If We Can Find the Time

Exercise and Balance

“Exercise your body” is the motivation for this post. It follows an experience I had in the gym last week.

Some of us can feel the years adding up like loose change in a couch.  Others?  They act like aging won’t happen to them, bless their hearts.

When younger folks label older adults as “over the hill” or “in the way,” they forget that their own hill is near. Time has a sense of humor, and it constantly circles back.

Most of us know exercise is necessary. However, there are always things that take priority, such as not enough time, so we promise to start tomorrow.

Don’t let distractions win.  They pull us in every direction, especially when we’re trying to prioritize our health.

At the gym, an 82-year-old woman-friend, who trains five days a week, stumbled and nearly fell.  I caught her, but what impressed me most was that she caught herself, too.

Exercise and Resilience

She steadied her balance, thanked me, and immediately returned to her workout.  Later, after our session, she commented on how embarrassed she was.  Amazing!

My goal is to be as fit as she is when I’m her age.  That moment revealed the actual value of consistency: her strength, stability, confidence, and resilience are remarkable.

Let her be a reminder that showing up for yourself matters.  Even slight, daily movement adds up.

Science reminds us: moving boosts our mood, strengthens our bodies, lowers stress, sharpens our minds, and even helps us sleep.

Knowing and doing are two different things, especially when life feels like a revolving door. Responsibilities, schedules, and “Hey, got a minute?” moments are always lurking.

Below are reminders of why moving matters, especially when you’re short on time and long on stress:

1.  The 10-Minute Miracle

Research shows that just 10 minutes of movement can decrease stress hormones and increase mood-boosting chemicals.  Ten minutes!  That’s less time than it takes to find your keys on a chaotic morning.

And yes, Chef, dancing in the kitchen does count.  So does brisk walking to the mailbox, and vacuuming with unnecessary enthusiasm.

2.  You Don’t Need Motivation, You Need Momentum

Motivation is fickle.  It appears when things are convenient, which is seldom.  But momentum is different. Tiny steps have a way of growing into real habits.

Start small: stretch for five minutes, and walk around the house while coffee brews. Do squats when brushing your teeth or waiting for the shower to warm up.  Suddenly, your brain asks, ‘Oh, we’re doing this now?’

3.  Think “Movement,” not “Workout”

If the word “exercise” feels like one more chore, try swapping it mentally with “movement.”

• Chores = pressure.
• Movement = freedom.

It doesn’t have to be perfect.  It just has to be something.  Just move!

4.  Confidence, Your Body Keeps the Score

We feel stress in the muscles, shoulders, jaws, hips, and other areas of our body.  When it occurs, even a gentle walk or stretch session tells our body, You’re safe.  Breathe.  Let it go.  We GOT this!

5.  Check In With Your Medical Professional

Before starting, especially if you haven’t exercised in a while or have health concerns, consult with your medical professional first.  They can match you with the right exercises.

The Takeaway: Take one small step toward feeling a little lighter, calmer, and more grounded every day.  You don’t need an hour or any fancy gear.  And you certainly don’t need perfection, just movement.

One last thing: please consult a healthcare professional before starting or modifying an exercise routine.

Thanks for reading.

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C. K. & Kat DeLeon

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