Leadership in Action: In Focus—Managing Stress—Surviving the Pressure Cooker

A POTENT WEAPON

High-performing leaders give many good reasons for exercising regularly: to improve health and fitness, to feel good, to increase energy levels, to maintain or lose weight, and to enjoy themselves. Fifty percent of the leaders surveyed for CCL's Fitness and Leadership research study in 2002 reported another important reason to exercise: to reduce stress.

Exercise can be a potent weapon against stress. When people exercise they are better able to regulate their emotions. Exercise induces relaxation by reducing physiological tension; it can also function as a healthy distraction from stressful situations. Other psychological benefits to be gained from exercise are an increased sense of being in control and higher self-esteem. However, ...