Are you stressed out and tired of not being happy? Perhaps

you are not paying enough attention to yourself. While many

stress reduction techniques are available, I would like to

discuss weight training as a stress reduction technique.

The payoff for a regular weight lifting routine is enormous

benefits to your body and mind. This includes increased

muscle tone and optimal body functioning.

Here are three reasons why lifting weights reduces stress

and negative thoughts.

First, the act of lifting weights helps you shift focus off

of others and on to yourself. You'll have a mental and

physical break from rising energy prices, taking care of

your children and working marathon hours wondering if you're

getting downsized. You will find it very tough to think of

other things while moving weight.

Try to find a secluded space at home or limit socializing at

the gym. Your outlook will change on many things. As weight

lifting becomes your hobby, allow extra time to focus on

yourself by planning your workouts ahead of time in a

journal. A journal helps your set goals for your workout

while you forget about your daily grind.

Next, exercise makes you feel good. Meaning, you can have an

overall feeling of happiness that you may have been missing

lately.

During weight training (and almost any exercise), endorphins

are released into your body. Endorphins provide an effect

similar to pain relievers and anti-depressants. Also,

working out can increase antidepressant chemicals in your

brain. In other words, if you feel depressed from a

discouraging day, weight training can make you feel better.

Finally, weight training builds self confidence. Confidence

is the key to achieving your goals. After completing your

work out you'll have a sense of achievement. Achieving goals

helps you build confidence in yourself.

If you don't have confidence in yourself, you'll make it

impossible to achieve your dreams. The more workouts you

complete the more you start believing in yourself. You will

set the tone for your life.

Starting a weight training program will help you with stress

overload. It is very easy to start your own program.

However, talk to a doctor on how exercise can help you ease

your mind and body of stress and make sure you are

physically able to start weight lifting.

All you need is a standard weight set and maybe a weight

bench to get started. If you can afford a gym membership

and/or a personal trainer, that will benefit you greatly.

You may be surprised that you can reduce your stress levels.