Exercise to relieve stress
Health professionals are prescribing exercise more than ever before to help manage and relieve symptoms of health issues like anxiety and stress. It really is no wonder because the benefits are amazing and as a fitness professional I can speak first hand at what exercise has done to benefit my overall health.
Here are some highly recommended ways to use exercise to relieve stress -
Boxing
A great way for people to relieve a build up of stress over a long period of time, especially for introverts, who might struggle to voice their frustrations. Boxing creates a great level playing ground and allows you to punch, kick and sweat your stress away!
Running
For those that love the endorphin rush and flow of the wind on their back. Running has the ability to give you great stress relief, as you learn to get into rhythm, breathe and zone out of whatever has been bothering you for the day.
Weight training
Arnold Schwarzenegger once likened “the pump” you get after doing a weights session to having an orgasm! Now this might be debatable, but resistance training gives off an endorphin rush that leaves you feeling strong, accomplished and powerful for the rest of the day. A true great stress reliever.
Hiking
Similar to running, hiking gets you outside, allows you to zone out and focus on the now. The fresh air on your back, getting out with nature and the beautiful scenery will help to relieve stress and leave you feeling happy.
Swimming
One of the best ways to completely zone out of the world and focus on that one stroke at a time. It will help your body to recover as it is a low impact exercise and will reduce overall stress on your joints, muscles and mind. Swimming is a great cardiovascular workout that will leave those endorphins flying at the end of the session.
Yoga & Stretch
Sometimes taking the foot off the pedal is what we need to relieve stress. Stretching and yoga can help remove muscle tension and improve your mood and flexibility. It is important for anyone post workout as it helps with any tension, reduces chances of injury and reset your body and mind.
Sport & Dancing
Playing sport, whether team or individual, offers many benefits such as the ability to get competitive, work in a team, improve your skills and work off the day's stress! If you aren't a sports person, you might be able to relate to dancing, which gives you the chance to let your hair out, feel the rhythm all while having fun!
Your own health and fitness is one of the few things in life that you can alter. There aren't too many things in life that can give you that sense of control and sense of accomplishment.I want everyone to have this feeling, because it is worth every rep, run or jump needed and it’s also never too late to start!
Also in The F Word
The importance of sleep
Keep motivated during the holidays
Summer is here. The weather has changed, the sun is out for longer, party planning is in full swing, and we are excited for the holiday season to begin. It’s very easy during the last few months of the year to fall into the mistake of neglecting your training and healthy eating habits because there is alot going on. You still need to worry about you and how you manage your time, training and eating habits during this time.
Steven D'Onofrio
Author