Manage Stress Through Physical Activity
Monday, April 7th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Work is the center of our lives whether or not it is inside or outside the home does not seem to make a difference. As a society we are running ourselves into the ground. Between the responsibilities of providing and caring for ourselves or our families the day to day struggles are often over whelming. This busy nonstop lifestyle is beginning to take its toll on our bodies and our health as we succumb to the stress. Stress affects our physical, mental and emotional well being and this fact is often overlooked until it is to late.
As a whole we understand the importance of exercise for weight management and general health but there is another reason to get up and get moving. Exercise is a proven technique to battle stress and is proven to be more beneficial then taking many medications. Aside from changing your focus from your problems to something productive, physical exercise will help your body function at peak efficiency while alleviating the potential damaging effects of stress.
Benefits of physical exercise in regards to battling stress are numerous and include:
1. Cardio: This greatly strengthens your heart protecting you from possible effects of stress like heart failure, stroke, high-blood pressure, and so on. As well, when your heart is attuned to an exercise regime, blood circulation improves which in turn increases oxygen throughout the body. Your cholesterol level and other harmful bio-chemicals will be reduced and will lessen the chance of your body breaking down due to the negative effect of these substances.
2. Emotional Release: Exercise offers an acceptable outlet for releasing pent up negative emotions such as anger and frustration. Exercise has also been proven to be very effective in the treatment of depression. This is due to the release of endorphins which are similar to the chemical compound morphine thereby providing the body with natural analgesic (pain relieving) effects and promoting a sense of euphoria.
3. Peace and Quiet: Many individuals find exercise to be meditative. It is a chance to focus on nothing but the task at hand, or be lost in a state of no thought. The rhythmic motions or repetition of many activities can be therapeutic in and of themselves, this has been termed moving meditation. For some the possible solitary environment allows them to be introspective enabling self reflection.
4. Fall asleep faster and sleep deeper: Individuals who exercise regularly fall asleep much faster and deep at a much deeper level once asleep. This is important in regards to stress management, both our bodies and mind heal during sleep or rest. This provides an endless cycle of benefits; with appropriate sleep you have much more energy and focus to deal with the stresses of the following day.
5. Social Support: Many physical activities offer a sense of team, or an environment where the focus is taken away from the problems that are weighing you down. You are able to come together with others that you have similar interests with, it is ultimately a social event even if you are not sitting around having coffee. It has also been proven that individuals who exercise on a daily basis generally feel better about themselves and feel much more grounded.
6. Body Awareness: Individuals who are involved in physical activities are much more aware of what their body is saying, they are more in tune. They are better able to sense possible problems with their bodies and make the necessary adjustments before it is too late. This ability also makes these individuals much more effective at relaxation techniques.
7. Muscle Tension: Physical activity has also been proven to relax your muscles making tension headaches, joint pain and back pain less likely. Your muscles are able to relax after they have burned off the pent up energy that stress causes
It is generally agreed that as little as fifteen minutes a day is enough for you to gain the endless benefits of physical activity. Take a walk around your block or do some stretches in your back yard. Involving your friends or family will help keep you committed and on track. The other option is to use physical activity to give yourself some alone time. The possibilities are endless, choose what ever is best for you.
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