Wanna Relax? Get Moving!
Yes, it sounds counterintuitive. And no, working out doesn’t always sound like fun when we’re stressed out. But fitting physical activity into your day is one of the top ways you can reduce stress in your life. Here’s a run-down of how exercise helps combat stress.
- Reduced stress hormones – Stress hormones can be a good thing, but too much of them in our system for too long isn’t. Regular exercise helps keep those stress hormones in balance, keeping your mind and body from being overstressed. For more, check out The American Council on Exercise’s piece, Cortisol: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
- Increased happy hormones (and neurotransmitters) – From increased levels of endorphins in the bloodstream to increased levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, exercise boosts the internal chemicals that leave us feeling happy. For more, check out CNN’s article, Why Endorphins (and exercise) Make You Happy and Livestrong’s The Effects of Exercise on Serotonin Levels. And, for some interesting findings from preliminary studies on exercise and the production of calming neurotransmitters, check out a New York Times piece on how exercise can calm anxiety.
- Better sleep – Sleep plays a significant role in your stress levels (check out our post about sleep and stress for more). And one of the keys to getting a good night’s sleep? Exercise, of course! Many health experts recommend exercise as a natural remedy for sleep issues. For more, check out the National Sleep Foundation’s overview of sleep and exercise.
- A sharper mind – Making silly mistakes, forgetting something important – these issues sound like minor annoyances, but when they happen frequently or during critical times, they can have a huge impact on our stress levels. More and more research is showing that exercise improves brain function; in fact, some studies suggest that regular exercise can actually improve brain volume in the areas responsible for memory and critical thinking. For more, check out Harvard Health’s article, Get Your Brain Pumping in the Fight Against Forgetfulness.
- Increased productivity – Stressing about keeping up at work? Get your workout in to increase your ability to focus and get things done! From improving your outlook to increasing your mental stamina, exercise can set you up for success in the workplace.
To reap the stress-busting benefits of exercise, you can sweat the stress out with a good run, a fitness class, or any heart-pumping workout! You can also calm your nerves with some gentle exercise, too; it can also be as easy as stepping out the door for a brisk walk, riding bikes with the kids, working in your garden, or doing a yoga video in your living room. Just remember that when stress hits, don’t quit! Stick to your exercise routine to mitigate the effects that stress can have on your mind and body.
Feeling stressed? Try setting an exercise goal!
Is stress or tension creeping into your life? Has it been ever-present, driving you nuts for a long time? Regardless, if stress is with you, we encourage you to set an exercise goal this month to help combat it! Whether you want to lift more in your CrossFit class, sweat it out on the elliptical a few times per week, or take the dog for a morning walk each day, set a SMART exercise goal and aim to stick with it this month. Then let us know how you feel!
