Perhaps it's the result of having a new job, a new mate, or a
new baby. You are overwhelmed with a feeling of excitement. Yet,
you feel inadequate as well. As a result, you are under a
tremendous amount of stress. At times, you might feel as if
there's no relief in sight--as if you're on a treadmill which
shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
However, the secret to effectively dealing with the stress may
be to get your body onto an actual treadmill. Exercise can be
the key to stress relief. It's an obvious antidote to fatigue.
It can make you feel more energetic, improving your strength and
resiliency. It has been shown that individuals who are more
physically fit often experience fewer health troubles. In
addition, exercisers are less likely to suffer from
psychological problems such as depression, binge eating, or
insomnia.
Without exercise, you are increasing the likelihood that you
will be afflicted with colds, flu, or other medical problems.
Aerobic exercise in particular can improve your cardiovascular
system and decrease your anxiety level. Some studies have shown
that, during aerobic exercise, a chemical is produced in the
brain which helps to heal the body from stress-related
conditions. You should exercise at least three days a week for
30 minutes at a time in order to improve not only your health
but your mental outlook.
If you find it difficult to become motivated to exercise, there
are a number of steps you can take. To begin with, you can join
an exercise club. Knowing that you'll have to pay dues to a gym
may make it more likely that you will actually end up
exercising. You might also consider enlisting the aid of a
personal trainer. A trainer can provide powerful motivation,
pushing you to complete exercises you never thought possible.
Another idea is to join an exercise class. There, you'll meet
other people who are in a similar position. The camaraderie that
develops between exercisers can help to reduce your stress
level.
In general, exercise should make you feel less anxious. Your
muscles become less tense and you will be less shaky after a
round of exercise. It has also been shown that exercise leads to
an hour and a half to two hours of relaxation response. This has
also been referred to as the endorphin response. As a result,
your mood will improve, enabling you to deal more effectively
with stress.
Exercise can also improve your self-image. You'll experience
greater self-worth, which will, in turn, reduce your stress
level. A confident person is an individual who knows how to
handle stress without becoming flustered. As a result of
exercise, you may also end up eating better. Your improved menu
may also prove to be a stress reliever. For instance, if you
give up caffeinated drinks, you might become less jittery.
In addition to your sessions in the gym, you should be looking
for additional opportunities to exercise. This could mean taking
the stairs instead of the elevator, walking to work instead of
driving, or playing touch football in the backyard with your
children. The point is to get moving--and keep moving--at every
available opportunity.
Exercise quickens the blood flow to your mind, offering the
brain additional sugars and oxygen which can be important if you
are concentrating. Exercise can also clear out waste products
from the brain which can result in unclear thinking. You will
also feel a greater sense of well-being as a result of exercise.
As has been shown here, exercise is beneficial for both the
body and the mind. As a result, it can relax you when other
techniques fail. By engaging in exercise, you free up your mind,
enabling you to concentrate better and work more efficiently.
Chances are you will not only feel better, you will look better
as well. With your brain under control, you should experience
less stress. Granted, exercise takes time and requires
discipline, but it is well worth the exertion. The good feelings
you get from a powerful exercise session can actually last for
days. You may find that you actually look forward to working out
because of the tremendous benefits it brings with it.
About the author:
Tony Robinson is a husband, parent, webmaster and international
author. Leading a full and busy lifestyle he is fully aware of
the needs of a stress free life. For tips, techniques and
further information visit
http://www.stress-gone.com
