You already know that exercise does your body good. Your regular exercise routine helps prevent heart disease and builds lean muscle. But, did you know that your workout can also be an effective stress reliever and counteract your body's natural stress response?
How Does Exercise Help To Reduce Stress?
If you're like many people, you use exercise to control your weight and improve your physical health. But physical activity has a direct impact on your stress levels.
- It increases your endorphins. Physical activity helps to increase the production of endorphins - your brain's feel-good neurotransmitters. Although this is often referred to as "runner's high", a stimulating game of squash or a hike in the woods can produce the same results.
- It helps you deal with your stressors. Exercise helps to decrease daily tensions and assist you to better manage your key stressors.
- It's a mental vacation. Working out takes your mind off of your problems by redirecting your thoughts to the activity at hand. By focusing on a single task you can recover the energy and optimism that may have been lost during the day.
- It's a mood enhancer. Regular exercise can increase your self-confidence and lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety.
- It's a way to stay connected. The old fashioned way! Exercise is a great way to stay connected with your friends and colleagues.
Check out the top five stress-relieving workouts straight from our 20/20 fitness experts:
- Yoga. A great way to enhance physical health and flexibility, while promoting a meditative state of mind.
- Tai-Chi. Tai-Chi teaches self discipline and relieves built up tension.
- Swimming. Water has many soothing properties to help you reduce daily tensions.
- Walking. This form of exercise allows your body to relax and is a great low impact activity.
- Group Fitness. These workouts get your heart pumping and endorphins flowing; the up-beat music tempos also go a long way to lift your mood.
So next time you're feeling stressed out, stop, take a deep breath, and plan your next workout - it's a great way to decompress.