You know that exercise does your body good, but you’re too busy and stressed to fit it into your routine. Hold on a second there’s good news when it comes to exercise and stress.
Exercise and stress relief
Exercise increases your overall health and your sense of well-being, which puts more pep in your step every day. But exercise also has some direct stress busting benefits
It pumps up your endorphins. Physical activity may help bump up the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins.
It reduces negative effects of stress. Exercise can provide stress relief for your body while imitating effects of stress, such as the flight or fight response, and helping your body and its systems practice working together through those effects.
It’s meditation in motion. After a fast-paced game of racquetball, a long walk or run, or several laps in the pool, you may often find that you’ve forgotten the day’s irritations and concentrated only on your body’s movements.
Put exercise and stress relief to work for you
A successful exercise program begins with a few simple steps
- Consult with your doctor
- Walk before you run
- Do what you love
- Pencil it in
Whatever you do, don’t think of exercise as just one more thing on your to-do list. Find an activity you enjoy whether it’s an active tennis match or a meditative meander down to a local park and back and make it part of your regular routine. Any form of physical activity can help you unwind and become an important part of your approach to easing stress.
