@porcelainrose Faith. The people on this board are so anti-spirituality they downvote anything about it, but the multitudes of people since the beginning of time talking about its benefits aren't wrong.
Science agrees, showing that it can prolong life as much or more than exercise. Psychologist agree that it can allow people to recover from mental illness faster and is a protective against suicide.
Sports agree as so many people discuss the role of belief in strengthening their body.
There is a reason addiction programs like AA have a big spiritual component, because it gives people an external source of power when internally, they feel weak.
As for me, these are my results, glory to God. My thought process as I lift is: "The joy of the Lord is my Strength."
Bench PR 205lb for 5, 215 for 2
Squat 365 for 5
Leg press PR 960lb for 5
No performance enhancers, just faith in God who strengthens me. I haven't gymmed since March, so, you don’t have to gym to relieve stress. Prayer works.
Health: was blind at 14, gallbladder disease in 30s. I was told I'd need an eye transplant and my gallbladder removed. I type this without glasses and I have my gallbladder and ultrasounds show no sign of disease.
Mentally and emotionally. I'm going through some stuff, and I'm able to smile every day despite it.
So, if you are willing to let go of some stress, here is a stress relieving prayer to get you started. Most have heard the short form, but the long form is where the stress relief part really helps:
God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make things right
If I surrender to His Will;
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him
Forever and ever in the next.
Amen.