Exercise helps me with stress. It changes your brain chemistry. I turn to Ashtanga yoga when I feel the need to relax. I love it but it's not right for everybody. It's taught to you a little bit at a time according to your body type and your strength. That keeps things challenging.
The God we serve does not seek out the perfect but instead uses our imperfections and our shortcomings for his greater good. I am humbled by my own limitations. But where I am weak He is strong.