How Does Exercise Help With Stress?

Physical activity enhances your body's oxygen utilization and blood circulation. These modifications have direct effects on your brain. Exercise also increases the production of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are the "feel-good" neurotransmitters responsible for the highly desired "runner's high." This is the feeling of well-being and euphoria that many exercise participants experience.

Physical activity can also serve to distract you from your concerns. Exercise's repetitive motions encourage a focus on the body, rather than the intellect. By focusing on the cadence of your movements while exercising, you can reap many of the same benefits as meditation. Concentrating on a single physical endeavor can generate vigor and optimism. This concentration can help provide tranquility and clarity.

Some individuals experience an immediate improvement in their demeanor following exercise. These emotions do not cease there, but tend to accumulate over time. You will likely experience enhanced sentiments of well-being if you adhere to a consistent exercise regimen.

In addition to its direct impact on stress levels, regular exercise promotes optimal health in other ways. Indirectly, improvements to your overall health may reduce your stress levels. By enhancing your physical wellness and cardiac health, you will experience less stress.

Among some of its additional benefits, exercise can help:

• strengthen your muscles and bones
• strengthen your immunity, which can decrease your
  risk of illness and infection
• lower your blood pressure, sometimes as much as
  some antihypertensive medications
• boost levels of good cholesterol in your blood
• improve your blood circulation
• improve your ability to control weight
• help you sleep better at night
• boost your energy
• improve your self-image

There are numerous methods to achieve your weekly exercise goals. Which physical activity should you select?

No marathon runner or elite athlete is required to experience stress relief from exercise. Practically all forms of exercise are beneficial.

For example, consider trying moderate aerobic exercises such as:

• biking
• brisk walking or jogging
• swimming or doing water aerobics
• playing tennis or racquetball
• dancing
• rowing

When it comes to muscle-strengthening exercises, consider weight bearing and resistance band exercises.

Even basic activities like gardening or choosing the stairs over the elevator can provide an emotional boost.

Any form of physical activity can improve fitness and reduce stress. Nevertheless, it is essential to select an activity that you appreciate rather than detest. If you dislike the water, swimming is not the activity for you. If the notion of running induces anxiety, training for a 5K race will not help alleviate your stress. Try a diversity of activities until you discover ones that you appreciate. When you are enjoying your workout, you are more likely to stay with it.

Working out with another person can also increase the stress-relieving effects of exercise. Sharing exercise with family or friends can make it feel more enjoyable and less like labor.

Also read: How to Practice Progressive Muscle Relaxation