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Give it your all at the gym and maintain your composure when challenges arise.
The advantages of regular exercise have been well-documented, ranging from enhanced cardiovascular health to a reduced risk of various cancers, along with some unexpected perks.
Add another benefit to that list, one that might prove invaluable during heated debates or moments of intense anger.
We’ve all heard of the euphoric “runner’s high,” a result of endorphins released during physical activity that elevate your mood.
According to a recent study published in the journal Acta Psychologica, being physically fit is also linked to lower levels of anxiety and anger, as well as improved emotional resilience.
Researchers at the Federal University of Goiás in Brazil divided 40 participants into two groups: above-average and below-average fitness levels.
Then they showed them neutral images of everyday objects and unsettling images designed to trigger stress and negative emotions.
While all the participants felt tense after looking at the unsettling images, the above-average exercise group had lower levels of anxiety and anger at the start and remained calm.
Meanwhile, the below-average group saw a significantly increased risk — a 775% greater risk, in fact — of anxiety levels increasing from moderate to high.
When it came to anger, the lower fitness level group had less anger control. And the less fit someone was, the more likely they were to act on their anger after seeing the stressful images.
Researchers have an idea as to why those who are more fit experience less stress and don’t get as upset.
The key is discipline. The theory is that the discipline it takes to improve fitness translates to the mind, which builds emotional resilience and control.
Movement also releases feel-good chemicals like serotonin, endorphins and dopamine that act as natural mood boosters, pain relievers and stress reducers.
Activities like strength training have also been shown to combat and ease symptoms of depression such as feelings of worthlessness and low morale.
However, larger studies need to be done to determine if regular exercise can be an anger management tool.