Exercise and Stress Relief

You know that exercise does your body good, but you’re too busy and stressed to fit it into your routine. Don’t worry, you don’t have to devise a complex or time-consuming exercise plan to reap its rewards. Virtually any form of exercise, from aerobics to weightlifting, can relieve stress. Even if you’re out of shape, a little exercise goes a long way toward stress management. Exercise not only improves your overall health and well-being, but also provides some essential stress-busting benefits.

• It pumps up your endorphins. Physical activity increases the production of endorphins, your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters. Although this function is often referred to as a runner’s high, a rousing game of tennis or a nature hike can contribute to this same feeling.
• It’s meditation in motion. After a fast-paced game of racquetball or several laps in the pool, you’ll like have forgotten the day’s irritations while concentrating on your body’s movements. As you begin to shed your daily tensions through movement and physical activity, you may find that focusing on a single task can help you remain calm and clear in everything that you do, resulting in increased energy and optimism.
• It improves your mood. Regular exercise can increase self-confidence and lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. Exercise also improves sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety. All of this can ease your stress levels and give you a sense of command over your body and your life.