While it is obvious to me now, exercise reduces stress...
but I didn't come to that conclusion over night.
It took years of neglecting my health and years of panic attacks to finally see the obvious.
It seems to be that in America, along with other westernized nations, exercise has taken a back seat to all the other aspects of our lives.
Many have prioritized their careers and their desires to come before their own well being.
As a society, we will grab some fast food in order to spend some extra hours at work.
We will watch television or play video games to hide our boredom.
Time that was once spent doing some kind of physical activity, is now spent in front of a computer monitor.
I was living this kind of lifestyle before I finally figured out that not only does lack of exercise promote anxiety, panic attacks, and stress in general, but also that exercise reduces stress.
I was at a crossroads in my life, experiencing a panic attack every day that I had to go to work.
If you find yourself at a similar crossroads, try out these simple exercises to reduce stress:

1. Walking: Try walking around the block or on a treadmill for at least 30 minutes everyday, preferably before an event that you associate with giving you stress.
   
2. Jogging: Similar to walking, but you will burn more calories and you will be more tired
3. Weight Training: The self-confidence that will inevitably arise from building muscle mass can't hold a candle to panic and anxiety
4. Yoga: While not a traditional exercise, it is proven that by simply stretching your muscles will result in a more relaxed state of mind.
   

If you find yourself arriving at your place of work or school exhausted from the work out, be thankful because your mission was accomplished.
It is far better to feel drained and tired at your place of stress, than wired and jittery.