We typically hear a lot about stress during the holidays, but we all know that stress is not confined to just one or two months out of the year. Stress is something we deal with on a daily basis, and while there is really no way to eliminate stress from our lives, there are several ways to manage stress.
When we feel anxious or stressed, our bodies release adrenaline into the bloodstream. This extra energy boost is concentrated in the muscles. We may feel antsy and find it difficult to relax or sleep. Stress also causes our heart rate to increase and our gastrointestinal system slows down.
Ultimately, the effects of prolonged stress will weaken our body’s immune system.
When we exercise, we are giving our muscles a form of release for the extra energy from the adrenaline. Exercise also releases endorphins that make us feel good. The improved mood from frequent exercise reduces depression and stress-related problems.
As reported by Sherman C. Artal M.D. in “The Physician and Sports Medicine”, many studies have shown that physical activity helps to ease symptoms of depression.
Stacy, a member at the Pick Up The Pace health club in Nampa, recently said that regular exercise has helped her stress level. Coming here and exercising has really helped relieve my stress. It doesn’t eliminate the problems, but I’m able to deal with them much better.”
Exercise assists our body by providing a relative state of equilibrium. It allows our muscles to use the adrenaline from the stress in a positive form. Regular exercise improves our sleep patterns, which will help alleviate the stress as well.
Barbara A. Brehm Ed.D., an associate professor of exercise and sport studies at Smith College in Massachusetts, reported that exercise reduces stress, helps control appetite, provides energy and improves sleep quality.
According to a recent study from Duke University, exercise programs reduced stress and depression. The study was carried out with 134 men and women, and participants were divided into three groups: One group received traditional medical care, another group received a supervised physical workout three times per week and the third group received a weekly guided stress management session.
Those in the exercise and stress management groups also received standard medical therapy. Both the participants in the stress management and exercise groups reported better emotional well-being when compared with the subjects in the group receiving medical therapy alone. (Source: JAMA; April 2005).
The most important thing for you to do is find an exercise program that is enjoyable. If you think exercise is a form of self-torture and you have to force yourself to do it, then your stress level is likely to increase. You also don’t have to exercise for a long time in order to feel the benefits. Even if you can only exercise for thirty minutes every other day, you will feel so much better.
