How To Exercise To Reduce Stress

Posted on August 12, 2008
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Many people think that rest is the only thing one can do when he is under stress. However, exercise can also be very beneficial as well. It has been studied and shown to have beneficial effects on the individual’s stress levels when he exercises.

When you exercise, the brain produces a range of biochemicals that work to reduce stress. It is shown that competitors and athletes have an endorphin rush during their training sessions. The body naturally produces and releases an opiate-like chemical to help reduce the pain that comes with a hard workout. When produced in extremely high levels, it can lead to euphoria.

Endorphins are not the only thing produced during a good workout. Neuro-transmitters – dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin – are also produced and are known as mood elevators. Having low levels of those neuro-transmitters can result in anxiety, depression and occasionally increased aggression. Exercise helps to keep the levels at a point that helps to combat those occurrences.

Not only does exercise produce helpful biochemicals, it helps to reduce biochemicals that are produced by stress. Cortisol and other hormones are produced when someone is suffering from stress. If left in the bloodstream, they are harmful to the body, and can cause a narrowing of the arteries, which can lead to heart conditions.

Exercise produces a two fold benefit. The harmful hormones are broken down during exercise, and can then be passed out of the body with no ill effects. Exercise also helps by increasing blood vessels’ resilience, so that they are less affected by any remaining harmful compounds that may not have broken down during the workout.

Quite a number of people are affected by tension in their muscles in the neck, shoulders or in the back of their legs. Tension can often be worked out with exercise, especially if you focus on those areas during warm up and cool down stretches. Exercise also strengthens those muscles, and fresh oxygen is carried to them, making tension less likely after the workout. ‘Bad’ cholesterol is also reduced during a workout, so there are many benefits to exercise.

The mental and physical benefits of exercise can help to release stress. When you focus on an exercise routine, your attention is taken away from the problem that is causing you stress. This allows you to take some time away from the problem and do something good for yourself.

The effect this produces is called homeostasis. This means that your body is brought back to a state of equilibrium, or its natural state, one without worries or stress. This stops your body from shutting down as it allows your system to function without overloading it.

A regular workout also produces other psychological benefits. Self-confidence increases as health and fitness improves. Looking good usually makes people feel good. You also benefit from knowing that you are actively working to improve your health, and your life. This sense of working actively on something can then be implemented with the problem that is causing stress.

Exercise can be as simple as going for a vigorous walk. This takes you away from the situation that is causing you stress, and allows your body to breakdown any harmful stress related chemicals and produce mood lifting endorphins. To be effective though, exercise should be undertaken three to five times a week, for at least half an hour. This will not only help to keep stress at a low level, your health will improve, and you’ll feel better generally.

You can find more info and guide on Curing Stress, How to Deal with Stress and Stress and Financial Problems by clicking on the links provided.

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