Exercise is so good for us in numerous ways — many of our articles and videos have already talked about this. But, it is important to remember that exercise is another stressor on our bodies. Stressors, when isolated, can actually be helpful for us! They help us to overcome obstacles and teach our bodies to adapt and be resilient. However, when we are exposed to long-term stressors either in life or through exercise, this can turn into chronic stress, which has been shown to have deleterious health effects. Therefore, it is important to intentionally include relaxation and recovery into our lives. 

Relaxation and recovery can take many forms: a massage, foam rolling, laying on the couch, a good and nutritious meal, and much more. I want to round out your relaxation and recovery options with another: meditation! This guided meditation is designed specifically to help with relaxation and recovery by mindfully focusing on the breath. However, many of our guided meditations can similarly be used for this purpose! 

Day 7: Post-Challenge GM for Relaxation and Workout Recovery with Haley

What do you like to do for relaxation and recovery? Let us know in the comments below!