Get the Sweat Out to Relieve Stress

Exercise is one of the best, if not THE best, way to relieve stress.  When the body is fully engaged in an exercise program, it releases endorphins in the brain, which creates a natural high and dissolves the stress, leaving you feeling energized and relaxed.

It doesn’t matter what type of exercise you choose.  The most important thing is that any type of exercise will achieve the same results.  Whether it's walking, running, stretching, aerobics or yoga, the physiology of the body works the same. Your body becomes completely relaxed and is able to cope with whatever caused the stress in the first place.

Moreover, exercise is very beneficial for your cardiovascular system.  It improves your overall health and, together with a healthy diet, can help you maintain a balance both physically and mentally.  With improved health, your body is able to cope with the day-to-day stressors it encounters and is able to maintain a strong immune system.

You don't have to join a gym or create some fancy workout plan to take advantage of the benefits of exercise to relieve stress.  Walking for 30 minutes every other day, biking in the park, engaging in aerobic exercises (either at home or at the gym) are some ways to incorporate exercise into your schedule to relieve stress. 

For example, if you are a working mom or dad, walk during your lunch hour every day for 20-30 minutes before lunch.  Or if you are able to hit the gym during lunch, that could be another way of  being able to relieve the stress of the morning.  Working in some exercise during the lunch hour is a great way to battle the fatigue that often sets in the afternoon and to become energized for the rest of the workday.

If you are working on a project and cannot take a lunch break, take a five minute break.  Give your eyes a rest from the computer and and do some stretching exercises in the office.  Get up and move around.  Sitting all day in front of a computer is not healthy.  It can cause leg cramps, shoulder and back problems, neck cramps and clots.  Stretching will help relieve the stress that causes these symptoms, and you will be able to finish out the day in a calmer and more relaxed state.

If you are a stay-at-home mom, find ways of working exercise into your daily routine.  I know that being at home with children can be especially tiring and stressful and there are so many things that need to be done.  But do something good for yourself (and your kids) by making the time to get in some exercise.  Whether it's popping an exercise tape in the TV and doing it while the kids take a nap, taking the kids for a walk around the park, or getting some swim time in while the kids are at swimming lessons, make an effort to find ways of working in some exercise.

You can always tell when stress starts taking its toll.  Your body tenses up, your muscles begin to ache, and you start to become irritable.  Exercise, no matter what form, not only makes you feel good but also relaxes the body and frees up the mind to be able to concentrate on the tasks at hand.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that your body doesn't need the exercise.  Remember that your body needs exercise to be able to combat the ill effects of stress and you need the mental relief that a good sweat brings.  Those endorphins that exercise produces are wonderful things!  Happy sweating!