Relieving Stress by Exercise

If you're feeling stressed you may simply need to take some exercise. Most people these days are much more inactive than our Fathers and Grandfathers were.

How much time do you spend sitting down each day?

Watching TV

Driving the car

Working at the computer

Travelling on the bus or train etc

Our bodies were simply not designed to function correctly on such little activity and as a result we feel greater stress and anxiety.

Regular exercise makes you feel better. Not only does it make you physically fitter but also it increases blood flow to your brain, which releases endorphins, the "feel good" chemicals. Chemicals called neurotransmitters are also released; these are natural antidepressants and relieve stress.

People who are physically fit usually have fewer stress-related health problems. They're likely to have fewer symptoms of depression, such as trouble sleeping at night, sleeping for too long during the day, eating too much, or not eating enough when they exercise regularly.

Benefits of regular exercise

improves the ability to relax or sleep

enhances energy

Improves concentration

Improves memory

Boosts self esteem

Improves physical reaction times

Reduces anxiety and depression

Which exercise is the best for stress relief?

There are three basic types of exercise:

aerobic

strength

stretching

Aerobic is any exercise, which raises your heart rate and gets you breathing deeper, such as running.

Strength training involves lifting weights or bodyweight exercises such as pushups, pullups, situps etc.

Stretching type exercises include T'ai chi, Yoga and Pilates.
Before you start any type of exercise program, you should have your doctor give you a physical examination. If you're over forty, he may want to do a stress electrocardiogram to determine how much physical stress your heart can handle.

If it's been some time since you've done any regular exercise, begin slowly with low-impact exercise and gradually increase your activity. If you experience any adverse side effects, such as dizziness, or chest pains, stop exercising and see your doctor.

Which is the best exercise for stress relief? Any exercise is better than none. Choose something, which you enjoy and go out and do it even if it's just taking a walk. The main thing is to get active

Decide to go for walk today. It's amazing how even a 15-minute walk can relieve stress, anxiety and tension and make you feel great.

One of my favorite exercises is called Rebounding and has been called "The most effective exercise ever devised".

It's deceptivly simple, and has some truely amazing health benefits for mind and body.

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