In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become a standard part of our daily lives. Keeping up with everything from work deadlines to personal responsibilities can be overwhelming.
However, Exercise is one of the most effective ways to combat stress and anxiety through physical activity.
In this article, we will explore the power of exercise in reducing stress and anxiety.
The Power of Exercise: Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Stress arises in many forms depending on the intensity of the situation.
Its symptoms range from a simple worry and irritability to restlessness and insomnia, anger and even panic.
Since emotional factors are the primary cause of stress, the best ways to manage it are through developing awareness, minimizing stress-inducing circumstances in life, and changing one’s perspective.
Anxiety is nothing but a build-up of stressful life situations like financial worries, relationship issues, and unexpected death in the family.
Exercise and Emotions
Several studies have shown that physical activity can positively impact mental health.
- Exercise lowers stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline and releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and mood enhancers.
- Endorphins are also called “feel-good” hormones because they can elevate mood and lower stress and anxiety.
- Physical activity promotes the development of new neurons in crucial parts of the brain, such as the hippocampus. It also slows the ageing process and increases life span.
- Physical activity promotes good sleep.
- Exercising regularly can help you sleep better, manage your mood, and increase your sense of control, coping skills, and self-esteem.
- It can alter the levels of chemicals in your brain, such as serotonin, stress hormones, and endorphins.
Various Physical Activities In Daily Routine
These include aerobic exercises such as running, swimming, and cycling, which can increase heart rate and release endorphins.
Weightlifting can also be beneficial as it can improve overall physical wellness and boost self-confidence. Yoga and other mind-body exercises can also effectively reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Incorporating Simple Movement into Daily Life
One of the biggest challenges in maintaining a regular exercise routine is finding the time to do it.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Going for a walk during lunch breaks
- Go for a walk instead of using the vehicle, at least while going out to nearby places.
- Doing simple exercises at your desk.
By making small changes, you can increase your fitness levels while also reducing stress and anxiety. By prioritizing physical wellness, we can also reduce stress and anxiety in the long run.
Exercise Therapy
Exercise therapists work with individuals to create personalized workout plans that address specific mental health concerns.
This can include incorporating different types of simple active movements and setting achievable goals.
A brisk walk or other simple activity of doing some gardening or physical work at home can provide you with several hours of relief, similar to taking an aspirin for a headache.
According to a research, even a ten-minute walk can improve a person’s mood just as much as a 45-minute workout.
Walking in nature, affects mood, which affects our wellbeing and helps manage stress.Â
The Mind-Body Connection
A healthy body contributes to a peaceful mind. Health is not just in terms of physical; it is holistic in nature. It includes physical fitness along with a serene mind.
Remember that whenever you are in great health, there is energy where you can be productive to yourself, your family, and society!
Physical activity not only benefits the body but also the mind.
I heard a proverb long back that a “Resting body is a Rusting body”.
If there is any machine that is not in use after a few years, it begins to rust. Similarly, there should be a movement in the body. Moving your body reduces muscle tension, which contributes to feelings of anxiety.
Can too much physical activity cause stress and anxiety?
While working out is beneficial, too much can lead to overexertion. This occurs when the body is pushed beyond its limits and cannot recover properly.
Some signs of overexertion include extreme fatigue, muscle soreness, and difficulty sleeping. It may lead to injuries such as muscle tears, sprains, and fractures. Overexertion can also have negative effects on mental health, causing increased stress and anxiety.
Wrap up
According to a few studies, people improved their state of mind regardless of the sort of activity they attempted; even general simple body movements are beneficial. Physical activity is not a substitute for emotional health.
When necessary, it can be the solution to specific mental health issues, but it does have a substantial impact on our emotional well-being.
The key is to try new things and stick with them in the routine.
To optimize the benefits:
- Choose a fun activity to improve resilience.
- Work out with a friend or group for social support.
- If possible, go for long walks in nature.
Any effort to progress toward reaching suggested physical work aims, regardless of how we choose to be active over the holidays or any other season, will positively affect our bodies and minds.
So Start Moving, Happy Walking
Remember, Each Step counts!!!
You can also check our other articles on Healthy diet.
About The Author - Jyotstna
