Exercises To Reduce Stress and Anxiety
With the day to day activities taking over our lives, it is becoming more challenging to deal with stress. High-stress levels have been a known cause of other issues as well, such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, eating disorders, and much more. Fortunately, there are several solutions as to how to cope with stress.
One of the more well-known ways is incorporating exercises to reduce stress. Studies have also proven that any form of exercise can drastically reduce stress, and therefore helps to enhance your overall health Not only you will be healthier, more importantly, but you will also feel more relaxed and calm. Here are eight exercises to reduce stress level!
How does exercise reduce stress levels?
- When exercises to reduce the stress level, the brain releases endorphins. Endorphin is a chemical delivered to the brain when you exercise. Also, when endorphins are triggered by the brain, you will surely feel more positive and happy.
- Exercise will normalize the hormonal movement, which means that blood sugar and fats in the blood will decrease. Therefore, this contributes to the improvement of stress symptoms.
- Regular exercise lowers blood pressure and cholesterol in the blood. The exact opposite happens when you’re under stress.
1. Yoga
Usually, the number one exercises to reduce the stress level that will most likely come to mind when thinking of stress relievers. The different poses that you place your body into gives you a chance to concentrate on your thoughts in a peaceful manner. It will challenge your body while giving you a whole new way of thinking at the same time.
Also check our related article “Natural stress relief meditation: Most Effective Ways to Relax your Mind and Body.”
2. Breathing
One of the exercises to reduce the stress level: Breathing exercises while focusing on your “happy place”. The basic breath in, breath out has been a famous technique all over the world and is known for calming the body. Putting a focal point in your head while doing this produces an even greater result. So, think of what makes you truly happy and close your eyes and concentrate on it while doing your breathing.
3. Kickboxing
Another great exercise that one can do in order to relieve stress. It practices self-discipline while also getting the heart rate going. It produces vast amounts of endorphins (hormones that are released that create a euphoric feeling) into the system as well when working out.
Getting in shape can also give you a positive outlook towards yourself by giving you more flexibility, balance, and confidence. Having a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar can also be beneficial by boosting your metabolism as well which also contributes to more self-confidence.
4. Running
A well-known exercise that many people practice on a daily basis. Putting yourself on a schedule can actually give yourself a sense of control. Runners tend to run at the same time each day. It allows them to have some stability when their lives may at times feel out of control and out of focus. They can use this time to put aside their troubles for that one hour during their running and use it to clear their minds. The rush feeling that endorphins give off is actually nicknamed the “runner’s high” because it gives you that unbound feeling that running does.
5. Tai Chi
One of the exercises to reduce the stress level: Tai Chi is a great exercise that is practiced all over the world. It is a form of martial arts but uses soft fluid-like movements to perform its self-defense techniques. Tai Chi has also been sometimes known as the moving form of yoga. It incorporates physical balance, breathing exercises, and mental concentration.
6. Dancing
A fun exercise we all like to do, whether we’re stressed out or not. Everyone has their favorite songs that they like to let loose. Music puts us in a feel-good mood, so it is only natural that dancing would be a great pick me upper.
7. Aerobics
Another sure way to get that heart rate pumping. With high levels of endorphins being released, aerobics is a great way in reducing stress. It’s fun, it’s active, it’s a no-brainer.
8. Team sports
Team sports may be one of the greatest ways yet to decrease your stress levels. You’re being active and being a team player with other like-minded people who enjoy the same sport as yourself. It also provides a great diversion and allows your mind to take a break on what is troubling you. Any sort of physical activity will also diminish your tension that may have been building up over time as well.
Even though it may be near impossible to eliminate stress altogether, one can find ways to certainly reduce it. All form of exercises is important to maintain good health. The sports mentioned previously are excellent exercises to reduce stress levels. Find an activity that you enjoy and take pleasure in doing it. Set aside time for yourself each day to do a little exercise and you will feel the difference in your moods almost immediately. The key is to move, bend, stretch, walk, jump, run. Best of all, you do not need any special equipment, you just need to incorporate more movement into your stress-fighting activities.
Written by: Kathryn Capobianco