Stress is usually thought of as a psychologically concern, but it can affect your physically as well. Think about it. When you feel a lot of stress, does your body seem weak and sluggish? Do you feel like you can perform to your fullest potential? But, regular exercise can help you manage your stress.
We have all experienced aches and pains due to stress whether we know it or not. Your body can react to stress in many ways including:
- High blood pressure
- Lack of concentration
- Irregular breathing
- Cardiovascular strain
These are all serious issues that stress causes so it’s important to learn how to manage your stress so you can maintain optimal health.
Everyone can benefit from exercise, especially if you’re trying to manage stress. It doesn’t matter if you’re out of shape, have little time or a physical disability. Exercising 20-30 minutes for 3-4 days every week will help you combat the effects that stress has on you physically. Since physical exercise requires you to concentrate, it will take your mind off of the problems that are causing you stress.
Along with helping to relieve stress, exercise also has a number of other positive benefits related to your physical and psychological well-being:
- Exercise improves blood flow to your brain. This brings in oxygen that may be needed when you are thinking intensely.
- Intense thinking causes neurons in your brain to function more intensely. As they do this, they can build up and cause “fuzzy” thinking. By exercising, you speed the flow of blood through your brain, removing the build-up and fighting off the “fuzzy” thinking.
- Exercise can cause the release of endorphins into your blood stream, giving you a feeling of happiness which can positively affect your overall sense of well-being.
In fact, a 2004 study by Georgia Tech found that the body naturally produces a chemical called endocannabinoid anandamide. This chemical helps your body deal with prolonged stress and pain from exercise. So what does this mean for you? It means that when you have a stressful day, a good workout can actually help you relax and quiet your mind… and help you get in shape!
