One of the Best Ways to Relieve Stress is Working Out

There are always times when we are under great stress. However, because stress is not good for your health, it’s important to manage the stress. Fortunately, virtually any form of exercise, from aerobics to yoga, can help you do that. Moreover, reducing stress also helps you lose fat and weight.

So How Does Exercise Help

1.     First, going out for a jog or doing several laps in a pool, you’ll find that you’ve forgotten the day’s stresses and concentrated only on your body’s motions.  In fact, this focus on a single activity and the resulting consequences of the activity, helps you remain calm and clear in everything you do.

2.     Second, exercise is play and recreation.  Moreover, when your body is busy in an activity, your mind is distracted from the worries of daily life and you are free to think creatively.

3.     By the way, nearly any type of exercise helps. For example, many people find using large muscle groups in a rhythmic repetitive fashion works best for them. Also, even a simple 20-minute stroll can clear your brain and reduce stress. On the other hand, some people prefer vigorous workouts to burn not only stress but also calories. In addition, the same stretching exercises that help relax your muscles after a hard workout will help relax your mind as well.

4.     Also, exercise improves your ability to sleep, which, in turn, helps reduce stress.

5.     Finally, scientist have found that regular aerobic workouts decrease overall levels of stress. In fact, even five minutes of aerobic exercise stimulates anti-anxiety effects.

Aerobic Workouts

1.     First, aerobic workouts stimulate production of neurotransmitters called endorphins. By the way, endorphins are chemicals in the brain that are the body’s painkillers and mood elevators.

2.     Second, aerobic workouts also reduce levels of the body’s stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol.

3.     Third, high energy aerobic workouts like jogging, dancing, and spinning increase the heart rate and releases endorphins to make you feel good. Also, high-energy activities make you feel better, both physically and mentally.

4.     Lastly, walking is an easy exercise to do and requires no classes or special equipment. Furthermore, walking releases tension from the major muscle groups, deepens breathing and quiets your nervous system. Moreover, when you jog, bike, or walk in nature’s beautiful outdoor settings, such as a quiet park, by a river, ocean, or hills you become calm and relaxed. Now, when you first start walking for exercise, aim for two 10-minute walks a week. And, after two or three weeks, gradually increase the frequency and duration of your walks.

Dancing

Next, dancing has many physical, mental and even emotional benefits. First, it’s a great workout that improves grace and agility as it raises your heart rate. Also, researchers have found that people who ballroom dance twice a week have less risk of developing dementia. In fact, this may be because learning new steps challenges your brain. Also, dancing fosters a sense of community and connection to other people, which, in turn, lowers stress levels and boosts happiness.

Breathing

Meanwhile, breathing exercises also reduce stress. Now, rapid, shallow and erratic breathing is a common response to stress. On the other hand, slow, deep, and regular breathing is a sign of being relaxed.

Yoga

Next, yoga involves a series of moving and stationary postures combined with deep breathing. Also, yoga strengthens the body’s natural relaxation response.  Moreover, yoga postures are a form of strength training, making you more resilient and flexible, which, in turn, helps relieve physical tension.

Also, yoga uses deep breathing. And, deep breathing triggers the body’s relaxation response. So, to get relief from stress all you need to do is just gentle yoga or yoga for beginners.

Furthermore, studies have shown that yoga reduces blood pressure too. And, because yoga poses require concentration, your mind gets focused on what you’re doing instead of worrying.

Tai Chi

Meanwhile, Tai Chi (also known as Tai Chi Chua) is a series of self-paced, flowing body movements and breathing techniques. Also, these movements calm the mind and condition the body. Moreover, once you learn the moves, you can practice them anywhere and at any time. Also, Tai Chi can be done by people of all ages.

Finally, Tai Chi links physical movement to the breath. And, because Tai Chi promotes a focus on the present, everyday worries melt away.

Pilates

Now, Pilates is a series of movements and mat exercises that build up your strength, flexibility, and endurance. Furthermore, being an anaerobic exercise, it is also a stress reliever.

Meanwhile, Pilates is a series of exercises that emphasizes body awareness, core strength and proper alignment. Indeed, Pilates creates a physical harmony that simply doesn’t allow stress to take hold as easily. In fact, Pilates zaps you into the moment, leaving little mental space for worrying.

Martial Arts

Yet, another way to relieve stress is practicing martial arts, such as Krav Maga, karate, and Tae Kwon Do.  In fact, they will teach you self-discipline and self-defense.

Kickboxing

Finally, kickboxing is another way to reduce stress. Now, kickboxing involves controlled punching and kicking movements. Also, kickboxing helps improve balance, flexibility and coordination. Finally, it’s a great way to work out your frustration and relieve stress.

Others

On the other hand, if your health restricts you from doing any of the above, there are still other ways to get some exercise. For example, motorized pedals will get your feet moving and distract your mind. Moreover, you can use these machines in the comfort of your home while reading a book, watching television, or talking on the phone – all of which are also stress relieving activities.