Everyone says that exercise is good for your body. It is one of the best ways of stress relief. No matter what you do aerobics or yoga, exercise is a stress reliever for your body. You may not be an athlete or be in the best shape, but doing a little exercise can go a long way and contribute to how you cope with stress.
But why is it said so? Discover this connection between exercise and stress relief. Find out why it should be part of your stress management plan.
How Does Exercising Help With Stress Relief?
Exercising or any physical activity enhances your body’s ability to use oxygen and improves blood flow. These changes directly affect your brain. Your body tends to produce more endorphins when you exercise. Endorphins are responsible for making you feel good after you are done exercising.
Exercising takes your mind off your worries, and the repetitive motions during exercise get your focus on your body rather than your mind. You are likely to experience the same benefits of meditation while working out as you concentrate on the rhythm of your movements. This focus provides you with clarity and calmness.
You may also notice an improvement in your mood immediately after your workout. Chances are, if you stay consistent with an exercise routine, the feeling of well-being will increase. Exercising has a direct effect on your stress levels. Regular exercising improves your overall health by improving your physical wellness and heart health.
What Types of Exercises Help With Stress Relief?
You do not need to be a triathlon champion or an athlete to experience stress relief from exercise. You can try moderate aerobic exercises such as:
- Biking
- Brisk walking
- Jogging
- Swimming
- Playing sports like tennis
- Dancing
The simplest and easiest activities like taking stairs rather than the elevator or gardening can lift you emotionally.
Any exercise can keep you fit and decrease your stress, but it is crucial that you do the one you enjoy rather than dread. Do not choose swimming if you don’t like the water. The bottom line is to try different activities until you find a physical activity to enjoy. Since you had fun while doing the exercise, you are more likely to stick to your routine.
If you want to work out with someone else, try it out. Try working out with your family members or friends and see how it feels. It is less likely to feel like a workout.
You can also try the following types of exercises for stress relief:
- Breathing exercises
Doing controlled breathing exercises can help you reduce your stress. Rapid and shallow breathing pattern is a pretty common response to stress. So, learning to control your respirations such that they mimic relaxation is relaxing. The best part about breathing exercises is you can do them anytime and anywhere.
Deep breathing is pretty easy to learn. You can use it to dissipate your stress. Repeat it four to six times a day if you find it helpful and want to remain stress-free.
Mental stress speeds up your heart and can raise your blood pressure. Meditation lowers your blood pressure, reduces your breathing rate, decreases blood adrenaline levels, and changes your skin’s temperature. It is a rewarding technique, and once you master it, you will probably look forward to devoting your time to it every day. You can repeat a mantra, a simple word or a syllable in a rhythmic chant-like fashion. You can repeat the mantra you like silently or out loud. Thus, meditation helps you block any ordinary thoughts and sensations.