How exercise helps with stress
The definition of stress is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. It’s a part of being human. How you handle that stress is key.
The effects of stress
1. Exhaustion – when you are stressed it’s difficult to get quality sleep which leads to perpetually being tired.
2. Health problems including:
Allergies
Indigestion problems
Diabetes
Heart conditions
High blood pressure
Migraines
Arthritis
Various skin problems
3. Reduced productivity – stress leads to a decline in a person’s performance as they are unable to concentrate and do their best.
4. Nervous breakdown – when people succumb to stress they experience extreme anxiety or depression which cripples them, and they end up not be able to function normally.
Exercise
Stress affects people differently and there are various ways of dealing with it. However, almost everyone agrees that exercise helps to minimize stress.
Exercise can improve your sleep and better sleep means the ability to better manage your stress.
Exercise helps with mood by releasing hormones like endorphins which improve sleep giving you more energy and helps block pain associated with migraines.
Exercise helps people feel less anxious and more positive about themselves. When your body feels good, your mind often follows.
Exercise increases social interaction by giving you more energy and motivation to spend time with family and friends. Also, when you go to the gym or jog you meet and befriend new people which grows your social circle.
How much exercise
Though it’s best to exercise for at least 30 minutes at a time, you can get benefit from doing short bouts of physical activity, for example:
Using the restroom that is farthest away from you
Park your car as far as you can from the entrance of the grocery store, so you’ll have to walk a little farther
Use the stairs instead of the elevator
Hand-wash your car
Clean your house
Walk on your lunch break
If you have the time to walk you should aim to walk at least 2 miles a day, or the equivalent amount of another activity.
Add a little strength training and stretching two to three times a week, and you’ll have an excellent, balanced program for health and stress reduction.
If you need more help with stress, consider exercises involving deep breathing or muscular relaxation.
Stand Up Str8 makes posture-improving devices that reduce muscular stress on the neck and shoulders by strengthening the middle back. Give them a try!
Enjoy!