How Can Exercise Reduce Stress?

It does not take a rocket scientist to work out that life today is stressful. The question is how do you try and get rid of your stress. You may soak your wounds in a nightly bottle of wine, or be downing several pints at the bar after work before facing the kids. Maybe you are just switching off, by switching on the television, or you ladies may be getting a stress fix at the hairdressers or the manicurists.

The problem with these ‘solutions’ is that they are all short term, and worse still, some may even have negative side effects. Is this the point that you groan when it is suggested that you might consider making an appointment with the gym.

According to the experts one of the best ways to manage stress is through exercise. Besides the recognized benefits of burning fat, improving the cardiovascular system, giving more oxygen to the body, reducing the chance of disease and lowering blood pressure, exercise has the ability to relax the body and the mind. It is also true to say that it would do wonders for your self esteem and self confidence. Just look at this list of interesting facts.

Endorphin Heaven. Physical activity helps to bump up the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins. Medically speaking, the great thing about endorphins is that they are secreted to remove stress or pain. Part of the word is taken from the word Morphine. Need I say more?

Focus Pocus. After a fast-paced game of squash or several laps in the pool, you’ll often find that you’ve magically forgotten the problems of the day and concentrated only on your body’s movements.

Gut Reaction. Regular exercise can increase self-confidence and lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. This can ease your stress levels and give you a sense of command over your body and your life.

Body Honing Serotonin. You will be pleased to know that regular exercise increases your Serotonin levels. This is the hormone that sends signals to your brain that helps to regulate and balance fundamental aspects of your health and well-being. If you have an imbalance of this important hormone it can cause mood-related problems and is often the reason we crave carbs and have an uncontrollable appetite.

Are you feeling motivated yet? Well how about these obvious benefits. Because of your increased energy levels you are more likely to feel outgoing and sociable, not to mention the added benefit of a better physique. With such a positive self image just think of the confidence that will give you!

So you are Ready for a Workout

Don’t forget these important prelims to any sort of exercise.

Consult with your doctor. It is important to start any new fitness program by consulting with your health care provider, especially if you have a history of heart disease or other risk factors.

Build up your fitness level gradually. If you begin your program slowly, the chances are better that you will stick with it. And you run less of a risk of injury, which would make you worse off than when you first started.

Do what you love. If you are going to enjoy the activity then you are more likely to continue.

Pick a time and stick to it. Choose the times you exercise carefully. It is no good going before the sun rises if you are not a morning person. Try choosing a time that you know you can maintain and make your exercise program an ongoing priority. 

And how about this. It seems that research suggests that it takes about 21 days to create a habit. So, try and keep it going for that long in the knowledge that after that time you are more likely to continue with your endeavour.

If you have managed to keep it up until then, by now you should have lowered your stress levels by a noticeable amount, and you should be starting to feel more energized, as well as noticing some physical changes such as a slimmer and more defined physique.

Feeling motivated yet? Dare I suggest replacing that dry white with a healthy glass of fruit juice? Ok maybe that is a step too far.