Coping Mechanisms!

March 30, 2022

Written By: Coach MJWe all get overwhelmed at one time or another for many different reasons and there are just as many coping mechanisms in place to help. Here is a gentle reminder that we all go through stress, just some of us are better at hiding it than others! Exercise is a great stress reliever but when we are unable to hit our workout space or time having a few other tools in our toolbox can help!

Molly Galbraith of 
@thegirlsgonestrong listed these 10 simple but effective coping mechanisms that are totally normal and easy to implement at home. Sometimes we overlook the simpler ways of taking a break - they don’t take a lot of time but still help to give a sense of calm. Try one or more and see what works for you!

1. Taking a nap -- we are often more productive after a short nap so don't feel guilty if one is needed

2. Listening to your favorite song -- turn up the volume and sing along as loud as you want

3. Taking a shower or bath -- soak in the warmth, set up some mood music and candles and just relax letting your mind shut off

4. Looking at old photos -- remember the good times from the past and possibilities for the future 

5. Dressing up -- even if you're staying at home, put on that outfit that make you feel special, do your hair and make up if that is part of your routine, and give yourself a time to do whatever you wan: a dinner, movie or drinks on the patio

6. Having a good cry -- watch a sappy movie or read a sad book and let the tears flow letting go of some of the sadness you may be carrying around

7. Having a solo dance party -- crank up the tunes of your favorite dancing song and just rock it out 

8. Talking to your pet -- let them know how you're really feeling, they don’t talk back and will love the attention

9. Taking a walk or drive -- just get out and go, check out the scenery and see where you get to

10. Setting boundaries and saying ‘No’ -- know your limits and get comfortable with saying no when you need to without any guilty feelings. 

Coping skills do not need to be complicated or long to find release from stress. As part of your Wellness COaching program at Degree Fitness we meet with you for Goal Setting/Check in meetings on a regular basis.These meetings are a great opportunity to chat with your Coach to discuss coping mechanisms that work best for you. When we support each other building stronger minds and bodies we can work at being the best that we can be and get through the speed bumps in the road of life!

Our Wellness Coaching Program is starting soon with 2 Pop Up Classes to give you an opportunity to try out a class on 
April 25 and May 2 from 9:30-10:30 am. Our 4 week program begins May 9/22!

Contact Coach MJ at 
maryjane@degreefitnessseaforth.com for a Free No Sweat Intro to talk about any questions or concerns you may have or sign up here!

September 2, 2025
Written By: Coach Sienna Showing up for yourself is so important but its often overlooked and dismissed. Showing up for yourself isn't some cheesey, made up statement. There is meaning behind it and science! Showing up for yourself is an empowering practice that can transform the way you live, love and lead! BUT what does showing up for yourself actually mean? And why does it matter so much? S howing up for yourself is... Not Selfish You matter and you are important! Treat yourself as if you were a loved one. It means honoring your own needs, values and well being to achieve overall wellness. This means being consistent in the way you treat yourself, not just when it's convenient to you! It is…. Keeping your word to yourself and keeping those promises Choosing rest to prevent burnout It means giving yourself grace and speaking kindly to yourself (Its your first time living!) Prioritizing growth even if its uncomfortable Creating boundaries and sticking with them Say No when something doesn't align with you or your beliefs I t's about treating you like you are worth caring for not only when you have “deserved it” but because you are worth that care, always! Why does all of this matter? It strengthens your relationship with yourself Prevents you for burning or crashing out Builds self confidence as well as trust in yourself Helps you stay balanced emotionally and physically The more time you spend getting to know yourself you learn and discover hobbies! You learn that YOU CAN DO IT and that YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS! You become more present for others! You are no longer pouring from an empty cup! What does this look like in real life? Drinking enough water even though you would rather skip it Going on a walk or doing meditation to have time for yourself to avoid crash out Keeping promises you said you would Letting go of perfection and simply doing the best that you can with what you've got S tart showing up for yourself today! Let yourself know that you've got you :) --- To inquire about services, programs or to get started email info@degreefitnessseaforth.com or call/text 519-441-7492!
September 2, 2025
Written By: Coach Kelly I’ve been exercising since high school... I don’t want to age myself tooooo much ;) but that was quite sometime ago. I meet with people all the time who are looking to get started. They are looking to lose weight, tone up, feel better, happier, increase bone density, do something for them, for various reasons. I’m going to give you two of the most important things that you need to do to make your fitness stick, through al season nd all set backs. Write these down, memorize them, and repeat them over and over. You’ll always succeed. Forget about motivation Seriously, forget it. Motivation comes after you get started. It comes when you start to see results; it comes when your pants fit different; it comes when you’re not out of breath going up stairs; it comes when you are running down the soccer field with your kids; it comes when you are happier; it comes when you feel less anxious, less depressed; it comes after you get started. Remember your why Why are you wanting to get started? Why do you want to spend money and time at a gym? Are you willing to do this for months, if not years? When your schedule gets busy, or your kids get sick, why will you keep coming to classes or appointments? You just need to get started, and you need to clearly understand why you are starting in the first place. After that, you must stick with it. Even when y you’re tired, when you’re frustrated, when you want to give up. Everyone wants the quick fix. We will spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on supplements that promise to help us lose weight, feel better, but honestly, nothing will compare to the eating some vegetables and getting in a structured workout with a Coach or at a gym 2 - 3 times per week. I know it’s hard. I know it’s hard. Like, I really, really know it’s hard. But, as you’re reading this, look way down the road, like 1 year, then 3, then 5 years. How do you want to feel? As hard as it is to get started, it will be even harder if you don’t do anything. You deserve to invest in yourself. You deserve to feel good. You have got this and we believe in you - Let’s go! ----- To inquire about services, programs or to get started email info@degreefitnessseaforth.com or call/text 519-441-7492!
September 2, 2025
Written By: Coach Kelly My gym ownership journey started in December of 2019. At the time I was managing the day to day Degree, coaching classes/appointments and running events/programs. The previous owner had some really exciting things coming up in her life that required big changes. One of them being handing over the keys to someone else. It was an immediate yes, and an absolute honour! Degree was originally founded as a place to workout with a group of like minded, amazing people. Using fitness as a vehicle for a better overall life (happier people, healthier people). I always believed int eh original mission, vision an values of Degree and they haven’t changed much over the years :) Fitness to me was a way to escape; I could move my body, stay strong and feel empowered when everything else around me felt like it was falling apart. I’ve continued to use fitness to improve my overall health and strength, and just like when I first started, to stay grounded when everything else feels shaky. Fitness to me, and at Degree, is more than muscles. It’s helping our clients have a safe space they can come, be themselves, and workout with their gym buddies. As they do this, the most amazing things happen, and it makes our hearts soar as you Coaches… We see you light up when you crush a hard workout, or do something you didn’t think you could do. When you share a bright spot and everyone in your class is genuinely happy and excited for you, too! When you start to realize, and believe , that you are whole heartedly capable of anything you put your mind to. That you are worth it; you always have been. Degree is the cornerstone of health and wellness, and we will always be here to help you, and our community live their happiest, and healthiest lives! ----- To inquire about services, programs or to get started email info@degreefitnessseaforth.com or call/text 519-441-7492!