I had some issues with it back in college when I wasn't in tune with it or the need to curb it. Previously, I had been accustomed to several hours of exercise per day. One particular semester I was cooped up all the time to strange hours, working on a senior group project, no opportunity to work up a sweat, and it kinda got the better of me.

At my worst point, a workout could bring me out of some serious doldrums for an hour. However, with that period well behind me, the effect of regular exercise contributes to sustained well being -- as I believe it does with everyone.

Stress and anxiety are natural phenomena we have all dealt with, and generally all deal with to some extent on a regular basis. Part of being an adult, working for a living, and all the responsibilities that come with it. Of course, it's all tied to the fight or flight reaction. In my opinion, physical exertion satisfies the need to "fight", and the motion of physical exercise (e.g. propelling oneself down the road) satisfies the need to "flee." On the other hand, sitting still behind a desk working with deadlines all day neither provides the satisfaction of fighting nor fleeing. That's why a good workout balances the day. They say cardio is better quality stress relief, but for me, sometimes just doing several sets of weights makes me feel brand new.