Should I exercise when I’m stressed?

There are a lot of mixed messages out there, so let’s look at some facts.

Intense exercise causes a temporary increase in stress hormones BUT:

✅ The cortisol spike during intense exercise reduces the cortisol response to subsequent stressors in life AND

✅ Exercise releases endorphins, which naturally combat stress AND

✅ Regular exercise over time supports a healthy cortisol rhythm.

Some exercises, like yoga and tai chi, combat stress by putting the nervous system into a more parasympathetic state.

So, for most people, exercise helps to combat stress.

Exercise only becomes a problem when it’s extreme and intense—particularly in people who are already stressed by other things in life.

It’s all about looking at the big picture!