Stress and Exercise – How to Relieve Stress with Exercise
Exercise is great for many things, including stress relief. This belief is backed up by scientific research studies, which have shown the benefits of exercise on stress relief.
When you exercise, the brain produces a range of biochemicals that work to reduce stress. Athletes constantly experience an ‘endorphin’ rush that accompanies a training workout. 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.
Most people will carry stress in their muscles, especially in the neck, shoulder and calf areas. 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.
Exercise also has psychological benefits that are helpful in combating 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.
Introduction to Stress
Managing Stress and Your Health
What Causes Stress
Stress - How NOT To Deal with Stress
Causes of Stress at Work
The Effects of Stress
How to Deal with Stress
Stress Curing Techniques – How to Deal with Stress
Curing Stress – Pruning the Roots
Tackling Stress in the Modern World
Stress and Diet
Conquering Stress – How to Conquer Stress
Curing Stress at Work – How to Cure Stress at Work
Stress and Alcohol
Stress Guide and Info
Stress and Money Issues
How to Deal with Parenting Stress
Stress and Pets
Stress from Parents, Teenage Dilemmas
Manage Stress Living Together with Your Partner
Managing Stress around the Holidays
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