GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - Anxiety overtakes all of us from time to time, but it's important to make sure that stress doesn't turn into constant turmoil.
There are healthy and active ways to positively deal with stress, like going for a run, according to Rebekah Mayer, the National Training Manager of Life Time Run.
The Mental Health Foundation recommends exercise as a way to relieve tension, stress and mental fatigue, and doctors often also recommend running.
Mayer said any sort of physical activity can help with stress. "Running is an amazing way to help with anxiety and stress, no matter how experienced you are of a runner, or what time of year it is," she said.
"It's also still possible to keep your run going through the winter as long as you plan accordingly and dress appropriately," Mayer said. "Running in the cold can sometimes be mistaken for less dangerous than running in hot temperatures, but there are many things to keep in mind and remember when you continue your run in the cold. Although we tend to think of it as a summertime concern, dehydration doesn't disfavor the cooler months. In fact, the likelihood of dehydration is accelerated when you train in cold weather. In these conditions, the air you breathe is drier, and your lungs have to work harder to humidify that air and warm it up. The harder your body works, the more you need to drink."
"Head into the wind first," Mayer recommended. "The return trip will be more enjoyable. Turning back into a cold wind once you've worked up a sweat can be very chilling. Also, Warm-up indoors with some dynamic stretches to raise your heart rate and core temp before you head outside."
Life Time has Run Clubs going on during the winter at clubs across the Metro. Run Clubs get together every Tuesday and go on different routes that range in miles from quick and easy to real endurance.
Life Time also sponsors Commitment Day, marking the end of the road for excuses and a day to take back your health. It begins January 1, kicking off with a 5K at nearly 40 Life Time locations. For more information visit commitmentday.com.