Who knew the best antidote to burnout is a little sweat equity?

This week and next, we’re sharing strategies to deal with the stress cycle in your body that may linger long after the stressor (that big deadline or those test results) has gone away. Burnout happens when we get stuck in the stress cycle.

According to doctors Emily and Amelia Nogoski, authors of Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, “[p]hysical activity is the single most efficient strategy for completing the stress response cycle. “

The specific kind of exercise is up to you. What kind of movement do you like best? The duration is your call, too. The time can be anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. The most important component of physical activity is frequency. Moving every day for 20 minutes is preferable because it gives your body more chances to process stress cycles and keep them from building up.

If you are in the midst of grief or trauma, physical activity may not feel possible (yet). Remember that movement is one of seven strategies. We’ll share another one tomorrow.