Exercise Your Stress Away

Almost any form of exercise can act as a stress-reliever and is a perfect distraction from any worries that may be playing on your mind. You don’t have to be an athlete or even be in particularly good shape to benefit from being active. Exercise can and should be a key part of your stress management plan.

Once you realise the link between the two, it will give you an enormous sense of self well being and it can be extremely therapeutic and beneficial both physically and mentally.

• The brain produces feel-good neurotransmitters called endorphins. Physical activity helps increase the production of endorphins, so when you exercise, even though it may be physically enduring you will naturally feel better after it.

• A natural meditator and healer. By concentrating on the movements during exercise, you will forget any anxiety or irritation felt that day.

You will be able to remain clear and calm in your daily tasks through newfound optimism and energy brought on by the focus and discipline your body learns during exercise. The physical activity releases more tension the more you do.

• Exercise can hugely improve your sleep which is usually disrupted by anxiety, stress and depression. It improves your mood and can increase self-confidence. Exercise can relax you, and significantly lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety.

These exercise benefits can provide you with control over both your life and your body and with the right exercise program, can be achieved in a few easy steps.

• If you haven’t exercised for some time and you have any health concerns, you may want to consult with your doctor before you begin.

• Enthusiasm about a new regime can lead to over exertion and possibly even injury. Build up your fitness level gradually and be sensible with the whole process.

Speak to a trainer at your gym for guidance or if you are attempting it yourself without support then varying cardio, resistance and flexibility until you build up a base fitness in each might be a good starting point.

• Whether you are walking, stair climbing, jogging, cycling, yoga, tai chi, gardening, weightlifting or swimming, make sure you enjoy it. Battling against an exercise you hate can be demoralising and often alternatives with the same or similar benefits are easily accessible. Your fitness can improve and stress levels dip with almost any form of exercise you choose.

Should your primary target be to recharge your batteries and decrease stress in your life, your specific goals may include committing to jogging during your lunch break a couple of times a week or, if needed, finding a baby sitter to look after your children so that you can slip away to attend an exercise class.

Don’t allow yourself to make the mistake of regarding exercise as just one more thing on your to-do list and emphasise the importance of making 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.