Relieve Stress with Exercise!
Stress can make you feel like you’re tied up in knots. And, in a way, you are–your muscles tense up, your neck gets stiff and your head begins to ache. You really want to relieve stress, but at the same time the thought of getting up and exercising can be overwhelming.
In reality, exercise provides a highly effective and natural way to relieve the potentially harmful effects of stress. Many of us tend to deal with stress by over eating or relying on drugs or alcohol to “take the edge off”. Stress eating only leads to unwanted fat and may even progress to an eating disorder – particularly when stress is compounded by depression.
Did you know alcohol is a depressant? Therefore, any effect it has on stress relief is very temporary, and usually results in more stresses and additional problems. Excessive use of drugs to relieve stress- whether prescription or over the counter – carry the same potential problems as alcohol. Substance abuse is never the cure for anything—it just “band-aids” the underlying cause of stress.
Instead of opening the refrigerator door to get relief from stress—why not open the front door?
Take a Walk. Walking is usually the “exercise of choice” for those who are just starting an exercise regimen—and for good reason. Taking a 30 minute walk each day at a brisk pace can dramatically improve your health and relieve your stress in very short order. Gradually increase the length of your walk by adding 5-10 minutes each week until you reach an hour. You’ll be amazed at the results—both in your stress levels and your waistline!
If walking doesn’t appeal to you, try another activity like sweeping the patio, washing the car or cleaning the windows. You should choose an activity that requires motion, but very little focus or concentration.
The goal is to free your de-stress your mind, not clutter it. As your body gets moving and becomes active your mind will naturally wander to things that are totally unrelated to the causes of your stress. If you start thinking about the source of your stress, stop and refocus on your exercise or activity.
Pilates/Yoga. If you want to “ramp up” your exercise routine, try Pilates or Yoga. These modes of exercise are a wonderful way to get in shape, as well as to train your mind to focus on your breathing and body movements. I have found both of these exercise methods to be excellent for melting the stress away. You simply don’t have time to think about stressful things.
Biking. It may be time to dust off your bike and pedal your way to less stress. Try to find a safe and quiet route or bike path that allows for fresh air and pleasant natural surroundings. Don’t forget to take deep cleansing breaths as you ride.
Dance. Put on some upbeat positive music (maybe music you grew up listening to) and dance around your living room. Or try something classical and allow your inner ballerina to come out.
Don’t worry, no one is watching, so enjoy yourself! You’ll get exercise and probably end up laughing—now what better stress relief is there than that?
