More on Stress

Fight stress with exercise!!

 

Stress seems to be a central part of all of our lives, there is no way to escape it. Or so it seems.  

 

We are so lucky to live in a time when we have so many luxuries.  But these luxuries have created a sedentary lifestyle for many of us.  Our body systems need to interact efficiently with each other to do their jobs.  Sitting behind a desk all day, or living a sedentary lifestyle without exercise our body does not seem to communicate as efficiently as it should.  Well exercise can help that, it will help your body systems practice interacting with each other in a healthy way, and thus reduce some stress.  

 

Do you suffer from depression?  I believe that stress is related to depression.  A lot of people suffer from this, and one way that you can help is to get up an move.  There has been much research dedicated to the connection between endorphins and exercise.  As you exercise your body releases these chemicals/hormones into the body and gives you a happy feeling.  Thus helping with that stressed out feeling.  

 

When we are under stress our body was designed to fight or flight, well in today's world we don't do either.  When faced with a stressful situation we end up producing that adrenaline that our body needs to fight or flight and then we continue to sit behind our desk.  The rush of hormones/chemicals can be harmful to the body if it just remains.  So when faced with a stressful situation we should do some type of exercise to help release these chemicals.  

 

Exercise can also help you to clear your mind.  This is a very great reason to begin an exercise program.  A clear mind will always help to reduce stress.  

 

Exercise will typically lead to better sleep at night, and will help you to develop a better sleep cycle, giving you more energy during your day to be more productive.  It will also help to lessen your stress and anxiety during the day as you will be full charged.

Some exercises to try for help in beating stress:

• Interval exercises will be the most effective when dealing with stress.  Try a short jog followed by some sit-ups, then another short jog followed by some push-ups and a final jog followed by some lunges.
•  If you feel out of control try rythmic exercises - as these types of exercises tend to help you clear yourmind. Some of those might be running/swiming/cycling/elliptical training.
•  If you are wanting to focus and center yourself, try pilates, yoga, or stretching exercises.
• Angry or aggressive personalities should try beating out that aggression by some boxing, kick boxing, martial arts, a great self defense class or other combat type exercises.

Now that you understand the fantastic ways that exercise will help to fight stress try it out.  See if a little exercise makes a difference for you, there is nothing to lose.  Except maybe a few pounds, but who wouldn't want that anyway!!  As with any exercise, consult your physician before beginning, and remember to listen to your body.