Feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Try exercising. Exercise is a great way to alleviate stress. Any form of exercise from a brisk walk to yoga, can act as a stress reliever. You don’t have to be an athlete to get the benefit of exercise toward stress management. It is highly recommended to even the most out of shape person.
Physical activity helps increase the production of endorphins. These “feel good” neurotransmitters cause what is referred to as the runner’s high. However, you don’t have to be a runner to obtain this feeling. Participating in an aerobics class or taking a nature hike can give you the same feeling. Exercise is meditation in motion. After a brisk walk or playing a sport with a friend, you may have forgotten your daily worries as you concentrate on your body’s movements. Regular exercise can increase energy and help you to remain calm and be able to think more clearly. It also can improve your mood and increase self-confidence. If you are suffering from mild depression and anxiety, exercise can lower symptoms as well a improve sleep. Being able to sleep better will also decrease stress.
It’s never too late to start exercising. Build up your fitness level gradually. No time to fit in 30-60 minutes all at once? That’s ok. Even bouts of 10-20 minutes of activity offer benefits. Making it a regular routine is an important part to easing stress.
References:
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003211.htm
By: Erin Kelly, MS, EP-C, CPT, Fitness Specialist/Personal Trainer at Valley Health Wellness & Fitness Center
Sign up to receive our Newsletter and Emails
Monday - Friday 5:00 am - 9:30 pm
Saturday - Sunday 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Valley Health Wellness & Fitness Center - 401 Campus Blvd. - Winchester, Virginia - 22601 - (540) 536-3000
© 2024 Valley Health Wellness & Fitness Center. All Rights Reserved. - Term of Use - Privacy Policy
LLT Group - Website Design & Creative Agency