Being physically fit helps you stay calm

Many people are used to seeing fitness solely as a way to improve their appearance, but its impact on emotional stability cannot be overestimated. During an experiment in Brazil, volunteers were divided into groups with different levels of training and subjected to a psychological test. They were shown images of unpleasant scenes, injuries, and frightening situations to trigger a natural stress response.

The results showed a huge difference in the participants’ behavior. While the unpleasant images made absolutely everyone nervous, athletic people maintained a much more stable condition. Those who neglected activity had a 775% higher risk of anxiety going from moderate to high.

The authors paid special attention to anger management. It turned out that less trained people were not only more angry, but also less able to control their impulses. The lower a person’s stamina level, the higher the chance that they would snap and act under the influence of rage. The athletes showed enviable composure, even when the situation was heating up.

Experts suggest that the discipline necessary for regular exercise trains not only the body, but also the psyche. The process of overcoming physical fatigue teaches the brain to cope with discomfort in real life. Thanks to this, a prepared person is able to abstract from negative emotions in time and make an informed decision.

Although the amount of data was small in this case, the conclusions confirm the general trend: movement is the best non—medical means to manage your condition. The ability not to lose your temper in a conflict situation or during an emergency at work can literally be trained in the gym or during regular runs in the park.

It is important to remember that even moderate activity creates the foundation for your mental fortitude. If you are looking for a way to stop overreacting to external stimuli, it may be worth starting not with sedatives, but with buying comfortable sneakers.