Beating Stress With Exercise
Nothing can beat regular exercise as a stress-busting technique. The result of the ‘fight or flight’ reaction is that our bodies go into a state of high arousal but there is often nowhere for that energy to go, so our bodies can stay in this state for hours at a time. Exercise is the best way to dissipate the excess energy, especially if you have a sedentary job.
It’s a good idea to channel your energy into proper exercise, be it a brisk walk, a run or cycling. You don’t need to join a health club— exercise can be as informal as dancing at home to your favorite music.
Experts recommend that we exercise at a moderate intensity for a minimum of 30 minutes, most days of the week. And there are many reasons to do so. Exercise not only improves health and reduces stress, it also relaxes tense muscles and helps you to sleep. It causes the release of chemicals called endorphins into your bloodstream, making you feel relaxed and happy. As such, it can be a helpful tool in fighting stress, depression and anxiety, as well as keeping you trim and reducing your risk of heart conditions and stroke, managing high blood pressure and back pain.
Jogging, swimming, aerobics classes or DVDs, are all great forms of exercise. If you choose something you enjoy, it won’t feel like a chore.
Exercise doesn’t have to take place at the gym or on a treadmill. Anyone can exercise even without leaving the house or having a particular skill. Just remember to warm up and cool down, to avoid injury.
15 MINUTES QUICKIE TO START YOUR DAY
5 minutes
- 1 minute stretch
- 1 minute high knees
- 1 minute jumping jacks
- 1 minute front kicks
- 1 minute run in place
4 Minutes
- 1 minute lunges
- 1 minute mountain climbers
- Repeat twice
3 Minutes
- 1 Minute burpee
- 1 minute jump tap
- 1 minute box jump
2 minutes
- 30 seconds regular squats
- 30 seconds jump squats
- Repeat twice
1 minute
- 1 minute plank
- Stretch
