1. How Exercise Helps Reduce Stress
Stress has many causes, but studies have shown that lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise can
have a huge influence on how stressed we are. Although exercise shouldn't be considered a magic
cure for stress, it can have a huge impact on how stressed we become. Knowing how exercise
reduces stress can put you in a better position for helping yourself.
How Exercise Reduces Stress - 5 Key Factors
1) Exercise stimulates the release of a chemical in the body known as serotonin. Research has
shown that this chemical works to give us a natural high, helping to reduce stress and leaving us
feeling happier.
2) Many of us also know that physical actions can help release pent-up anger. Some people may lash
out at others or throw objects across the room. Exercise, on the other hand, is a healthy way of
releasing this pent-up energy, helping to leave you calmer as a result.
3) Studies also show that being involved in an activity that requires you to concentrate can provide an
excellent distraction from stress. Exercise requires you to focus on what you're doing, helping you to
keep your mind off whatever's stressing you out, and making it easier to gain some perspective.
4) Exercise also helps to reduce the risks that stress can increase. For example, regular exercise
helps increase circulation and reduce the risks of heart attack or stroke.
5) Lastly, exercise can help us to feel better about the way we feel. As we take action to create a
healthy body, we feel more attractive and more self confident as a result. Although it may not be the
same for everyone, for many this can lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety.
How Much Do You Need To Exercise?
To help keep your fitness levels up, it's understood that you should exercise for around 30 minutes
each day. It's important to get your heart pumping, which means taking part in activities such as
running, aerobics, cycling, swimming, or walking quickly. Don't think that you're too busy to exercise:
we can all fit in 30 minutes a day, even if it means breaking it up into three blocks of 10 minutes.
Exercise shouldn't be used as a "cure" only in times of stress - it doesn't really work like that. Knowing
how exercise reduces stress means understanding that it should be a long term commitment.
Research has shown that those who exercise regularly are simply less affected by stressful situations
in life than those who don't.
how exercise reduces stress