Exercise and the Working Woman: The Importance of Balance

Work, workout, sleep, repeat.

For the busy career girl who is always on the go, a fulfilling fitness routine is essential to overall happiness and well-being. We work hard to prioritize what is important, and one of the most important things is our health.

Fitness Woman Strong

Staying active is a key factor in alleviating work-related stress and anxiety. Whether you’re a runner, a spinner, a yogi, or a barre fanatic, getting your sweat on regularly, combined with a balanced diet and plenty of sleep, contributes to the healthiest and happiest version of you possible.

And naturally, when you feel your best, you do your best work.

My favorite ways to blast calories and banish built up pressure from the day are spin and power yoga classes. In order to feel my best and stay motivated, and I need gear that will keep up with me.

The Women’s Fitness Capri Leggings designed by Charles River Apparel are a new favorite go-to of
mine. They are made from a thin material that doesn’t compromise dryness or coverage in the areas that count, and feature a tagless label that contributes to their ultimate comfort.  These leggings keep up, no matter the activity or exercise.

At 5’7″ and a size 4, it can be difficult for me to find exercise leggings that offer a wide band for hip coverage as well as enough length through the inseam. Charles River Apparel items give plenty of room in these aspects, keeping my gear in place so that I can concentrate on my form rather than making adjustments to my outfit.

I optimize my workout outfits by pairing my favorite bottoms with a sports bra that doesn’t budge, a workout top made of dri-fit material to whisk away moisture, and my favorite reusable sports water bottle. When it comes to choosing a water bottle, I recommend one that is BPA-free and also eco-friendly. This list of 6 reusable bottles for your workout has something for everyone and is guaranteed to provide you with a choice to keep you hydrated and motivated.

health hacks
When I work out, I burn it all off; the frustration, the anxiety, and any other feelings the work day has drudged up. And I always feel better afterwords, one hundred percent of the time.

Working out can help elevate your energy levels, reduce stress and tension, and boost self-confidence. It’s way healthier, and its benefits are longer-lasting, than turning to a post-work cocktail for temporary relief. The feeling of really connecting with a certain workout class or fitness instructor can be satisfying enough to turn your entire day in a more positive direction. Exercise helps to brighten our outlook and enhances good vibes, encouraging us to handle challenges with ease and confidence.

Need even more reasons to incorporate physical activity into your schedule? Read this list of 13 mental health benefits of exercise.

What do you do to relieve stress and maintain balance? Tweet me your ideas @mscareergirl or @sncueto!

Sarah Cueto

Sarah earned her B.S. in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from UC Davis. She is a resident of sunny San Diego, CA, and is currently working in a Sales & Marketing capacity within the biotech industry. She is focused on her blossoming career, developing her identity as a young professional, and is an avid blogger. Sarah writes regularly about her experiences as a twenty-something woman trying to figure it all out, and in the name of twenty-somethings everywhere, on her blog Twenty-Everything.