The people have spoken! According to the survey results from last week’s blog, the number one reason that GCC employees exercise is for…wait for it…relief from stress.
The stress relief gained from just one exercise session can last for 60-90 minutes! This is due to the release of endorphins – chemicals that act like pain killers! According to WebMD, “…that feeling, known as a “runner’s high,” can be accompanied by a positive and energizing outlook on life.”
Just from reading some of the awesome Write 6×6 blogs, you get a sense of the anxiety and tension experienced by employees and students alike. You don’t have to read the blogs to know the amount of pressure we are all dealing with.
One of the most common stress responses felt by students is test-taking anxiety. You know…that feeling when you have stayed up all night to cram for a big exam, and realize the next morning that absolutely nothing was committed to memory. The exam paper staring up at you. Panic sets in. Eyes dilate. Heart races. Breathing increases. Sweat beads begin to emerge, but nothing coming from the brain.
As employees we may feel similar tension related to deadlines, presentations, forging through “red tape,” miscommunications, personality conflicts, cultural differences, personal beliefs…the list is endless.
So grab your work buddy and take them for a brisk walk around our beautiful campus! Encourage your students to move more every chance you get! Be the role model and show people in a positively active way how you handle your stress!
Don’t think you have time to exercise? Watch this video, “23 and 1/2 Hours,” and I promise it will make an impact on your decision.
Next week I will tell you about all of the wonderful on-campus opportunities to move more and have fun doing it. If you can’t wait ’til then, come find an exercise professional on the west side of campus! We are here to serve you!
Results from the survey “My Benefits of Physical Activity.”
| More energy (have enough energy to play with the kids after work, stay productive after lunch, take care of the house on the weekend) | 75% | |
| Less chance of colds and flu | 75% | |
| Relief from stress | 100% | |
| Increased productivity (feel confident that I can accomplish all I want to do and invigorated when I get things done) | 75% | |
| Clean thinking (able to concentrate, sort things out clearly, and solve problems) | 75% | |
| Healthy and strong bones, joints, and muscles (lower my risk of injury, tackle heavier household chores, and try new activities) | 75% | |
| Increased vitality (feel alive and full of energy, like I can take on the world) | 50% | |
| Better quality of life (stay active in retirement, keep up with family and friends on vacation or around town, do things for myself) | 50% | |
| Stronger, healthier heart and lungs (climb stairs without huffing and puffing; become more active and less fatigued around town or on vacation) | 75% | |
| Better sleep | 75% | |
| Decreased feelings of depression or anxiety | 75% | |
| Improved physical fitness | 75% | |
| More effective weight control (be able to reduce or maintain weight) | 50% | |
| Reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes | 50% | |
| Brighter mental outlook (feel good about life, ready to take on the day, and confident that things will work out) | 75% | |
| Reduced risk of colon cancer | 0% | |
| Healthier and longer independent life (reduce my risk of disease and maintain my independence as I grow older) | 75% | |
| Improved self-esteem and self-image | 75% |
