Feb 20, 2009 3:12 pm US/Eastern
Unemployed Seeking Exercise To Relieve Stress
DALLAS (CBS) ―
In this economy, Americans are fearful they will lose their job, their retirement account or not be able to make payments on cars or houses. Dealing with all this worry can increase stress, but there are some ways to cope with the worry over wealth.
Exercise is one way to cope.
"When I'm working out, and pumping the weights, it makes me feel good mentally and physically," explained Mark Morgan.
On most afternoons, you'll find the 26-year-old pumping iron at 24 Hour Fitness on Central Expressway in Dallas.
"This is my place of comfort. I know that I'm not having to deal with bills when I'm here, I'm not having to deal with gas prices fluctuating when I'm here," Morgan said of his workout environment. "I'm able to deal with what's most important… my health, my life."
A 24 Hour Fitness Center in Dallas says it has seen about a 15-percent increase in membership.
"As you work out your body releases endorphins. It's a chemical process internally, but as you're working out your body defuses itself where it becomes a lot more relaxed," explained 24 Hour Fitness Manager Omar Aguirre.
Trainers say when you're relaxed and energized, you see the person in the mirror in a whole new light.
Jassy Bigelow works out regularly.
"You may be in a really bad position, may have lost your job, but if you have a clear mind, through exercise, it helps make things look a little more positive," Bigelow said. "It might make you a little more energetic, if you're out there looking for another job, another position, or seeing things in a totally different way."
According to doctors, chronic stress can be deadly. They recommend the following:
- Taking a break from the bad news in the newspaper, on TV, or the internet
- Limit cell phone and e-mail use
- A movie at home, or in the theater, can help you escape
- If you reach for food when you're anxious, try dark chocolate. It will activate your brain's pleasure center.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
CBS News Interactive: Healthwatch
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