Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress. When you exercise, your body releases ENDORPHINS, which are hormones that fight stress, Exercise helps you get your mind off your problems and clears your head.
I made up my mind and decided if I’m going to take on this new journey of living a more happy and freeing life I must start with physically taking better care of my body which houses my soul and my soul can then be peaceful as I take control and start doing the steps to deserve a happier life. Over the past month of going to the gym I must say I have never felt as good as I do now. Exercising is a stress reliever and making a commitment to want better for yourself helps a lot when you feel like you can’t push through the workout. I keep my mind focus on the end results, yes it’s hard but it’s also knowing how bad you want to change and I’m glad I made the choice to get right on the inside and naturally the outside will be just as right and what’s so crazy is now I’m excited to go workout, I can’t wait to get to the gym even when I’m sore. It goes to show that exercising does take your mind off of stressful things and keeps your stress level down.
So I encourage all of you to get up and move, make an effort to change what you don’t like, it will do you a world of good because the end result should leave you happy. Below I will list some ways you can go about reducing the stress in your life through movement.
DISCLAIMER: BEFORE YOU TAKE ON ANY PHYSICAL TASK THAT MAY EFFECT YOUR BODY PLEASE DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH AND DON’T FORGET TO CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR.
High-Energy Activities– The benefits of aerobic exercise like running, dancing, and spinning include an increased heart rate. When your heart rate is accelerated, your body releases endorphins, natural opiates that make you feel good with no side effects. High-energy activities help you feel better physically and mentally. Just be sure to check with your doctor before starting any high-intensity workouts.
Yoga– An excellent stress-relief exercise, involves a series of moving and stationary poses, or postures, combined with deep breathing. A mind-body exercise, yoga can strengthen your body’s natural relaxation response and bring you into a healthy balance. For stress relief, do gentle yoga or yoga for beginners — popular “power yoga” classes may be too intense if your main goal is to ease stress.
Pilates– A series of controlled movements and mat exercises named after their creator, Joseph Pilates, is designed to build your strength, flexibility, and endurance — all of which make practicing Pilates, an anaerobic (as opposed to aerobic) exercise, a great stress reliever. Pilates also tones your body, which in turn helps you look good and feel better, You can take classes at a Pilates studio or at a gym, or use DVDs and home equipment if you prefer to practice on your own.
Martial Arts– Is an effective way to release energy, frustration, and tension is to learn and practice a martial art. There are many to choose from: Krav Maga, karate, judo, tae kwon do, and more. In addition to keeping you active, martial arts have other benefits; they teach you self-discipline, and the self-defense techniques you learn can make you feel safer.
Kickboxing– Is a powerful means of reducing stress. It involves controlled punching and kicking movements carried out with discipline. You can get a great workout in a kickboxing class, and that’s only one of its excellent benefits. Kickboxing regularly will help improve your balance, flexibility, and coordination. It’s also a great way to work out frustration — having an outlet to release energy and anger can relieve stress.
Team Sports– One of the best ways to fit exercise into your schedule is to round up friends and family and organize a game of football, basketball, or soccer (just three of many choices). You get a double dose of stress relief from participating in team sports: Not only are you having fun with loved ones, but you’re also working up a sweat and releasing endorphins. Exercising with friends or co-workers can also motivate you to push yourself a little harder in order to stay competitive.