Did you know exercise reduces stress?

Did you know that exercise reduces stress? You might already know that, but then again, you might not. There are lots of people who complain about the stress in their lives but they don’t do any sort of exercise. So maybe you don’t know.

Why does exercise reduce stress?

We are hard wired with a fight or flight response. When danger or something threatening comes into our lives our body and nervous system start preparing us for fight or flight.

What this means is that we are either ready to fight off the danger or run from it. There isn’t anything we can do about this response, it is just the way we are made and it’s a good thing too. Sometimes, even in this modern day, we need those responses.

So why am I stressed out?

The problem comes when there is no outlet for this response. We don’t fight or flee and so our body doesn’t know what to do with the extra adrenaline or other enzymes and chemicals. Our nervous system doesn’t know what to do with the extra amped up energy.

Exercise gives a natural release. We suddenly have somewhere for the body to put that extra stuff. Our heart rate goes up and our muscles work. This relieves all that pent up energy that we started storing.

What kind of exercises are best?

That really is a pretty individual thing. Usually, I would say that something that is aerobic in nature would be best. Running, walking, bike riding, tennis, anything like that is good; especially is you need to burn it off fast.

Weight lifting can use up some energy pretty quick, but it doesn’t always get the heart rate up and the respiration rate up.

I enjoy yoga, but unless you are adept at letting go of tension and calming yourself mentally, I would not suggest yoga as a main exercise for stress relief.

Using exercise to reduce stress will not only help you let go of stress, but it will get your body in shape as well. You may think that you don’t have time to exercise, but do you have time to die from stress?

Here’s to You!

P. S. Scott Tousignant has a great program for those who don’t feel like they have time to exercise. Some of his programs are designed for those who work in home offices. Check out his Fat Loss Quickie program! Scott is a expert in his field. Just look at his picture and you know he understands!