Most people experience stress on a daily basis. Living the fast paced lifestyle that most of us do, stress is often unavoidable. There is a positive link between stress reduction and exercising. Exercise is a great way not only to get in shape but to get control over your stress. In the process you will improve your health. Exercise therefore has both physical and emotional benefits and should be a part of everyone's healthy lifestyle.
Releases energy: When you exercise your body can release the energy it has bottled up from experiencing stress. This release will naturally reduce stress levels. Endorphins: Your body can also release endorphins from exercising. Endorphins are known as "feel good hormones". When you hear people refer to feeling a "runners high", this is an example of feeling very euphoric from the body releasing endorphins. Your stress is reduced as you begin to feel calmer and more relaxed. You usually will experience the most positive feelings about one hour after exercise.
Improves Brain Activity: As stress is reduced the brain begins to function more efficiently. Some studies suggest that exercise can actually lead to the creation of new brain cells, a process known as neurogenesis. For men, exercise also increases the production of testosterone which helps men feel more confident and therefore less stressed.
Muscle Relaxation: A typical reaction to stress is for your muscles to tense up and tighten. When you exercise you allow your muscles to loosen and relax. Exercise will enable you to reduce stress this way by alleviating that unpleasant sensation associated with tense muscles. It's unhealthy for muscles to remain tense for long periods of time as this can lead to spasms and potential damage.
Cortisol: When you are stressed your body releases hormones into your bloodstream. One in particular is known as cortisol. If cortisol levels are too high you will experience increased stress symptoms such nervousness and irritability. If cortisol levels are high in the body for long periods of time you can become more susceptible to a variety of stress related illnesses. When you exercise you help your body to release the cortisol and reduce its levels. Continued exercise can help you to keep your cortisol levels under control.
Additionally exercise helps fight stress by reducing your cholesterol levels. When you are stressed your liver has to work harder and therefore produces more cholesterol. By exercising you help you liver to expend this cholesterol thereby keeping you healthier. High cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
Exercise Reduces Anxiety: Stress can create anxiety for many individuals. Anxiety levels can range from mild to severe. Exercise helps your body to relieve this pent up stress and anxiety. It also helps to change your focus from your problems to a more positive experience of doing something good for your health.
Looking Better Reduces Stress: When you look better you feel better. Losing weight and toning up will boost your self confidence levels. Feeling better about your physical appearance will definitely reduce your stress.
Stay Committed to Exercise: If you want to keep stress levels under control you have to be consistent in your exercise program. Many people feel they are just too busy to fit exercise into their lives but it is really a matter of reprioritizing. Make small goals and commitments to exercise that are reasonable and that you can achieve. For example you can start at a gym 3 days per week for a half hour. After you have succeeded in this goal you can gradually increase your exercise to 5 days per week. If you push yourself too soon with too much you will become overwhelmed and quit exercising. The goal is to make exercise a part of your lifestyle. It needs to become a happy and positive experience that you look forward too.
Clearly exercise can have a very positive impact on your life and on reducing your stress levels. Find an exercise activity that you will enjoy and that you can commit too. Remember whenever beginning any dietary or lifestyle changes, always consult with a medical professional, particularly if you are taking prescription drugs or suffer from any disease or ailment.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6914889
No comments:
Post a Comment