Click here to go back to Articles

REGULAR EXERCISE HELPS REDUCE STRESS

Participation in regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways of reducing stress.

Physical activity has both short- and long-term effects. Many people report feeling less stress both during and after a single exercise session. Regular exercise, which generally means performing some sort of physical activity at least three times a week, has a cumulative effect as well, and exercisers report feeling less stressed even on days when no physical activity occurs. What's more, the mental health benefits of exercise go far beyond stress management. Regular physical activity has been shown to decrease both anxiety and depression, and to improve self-esteem.

It is important to note that the amount and intensity of exercise required to produce stress management benefits need not be overwhelming.   Research has found that almost any kind of physical activity can help reduce stress. This is probably because exercise exerts its stress-management benefits in several ways.

On an intuitive level, it certainly makes sense that exercise should help reduce our physical stress response. After all, the "fight or flight" response gears you up to respond physically to stress.   While it is certainly not feasible to run right out of a stressful meeting and hit the gym or the track, exercise later in the day will still allow your body to "act out" the fight or flight response.

Muscle tension increases during stress, and can cause a wide array of stress-related musculoskeletal problems, as well as general feelings of fatigue, and mental and emotional stress. Physical activity, on the other hand, leads to muscle relaxation. A feeling of physical relaxation characterizes a good workout's afterglow. After working hard, muscles relax.   Physical relaxation translates into mental relaxation as well.

Rhythmic exercises such as walking, running, rowing and swimming increase alpha-wave activity in the brain.   The rhythmic breathing that occurs during some forms of exercise also contributes to an increase in alpha-wave activity. Rhythmic activity performed to music may be stress relieving in other ways as well.

Finally, physical activities may provide a diversion from sources of stress. When you are actively engaged in tasks demanding concentration and motor skills, it's hard to keep your mind on your worries. Exercise may relieve boredom or provide opportunities for social interaction. Perhaps most important of all, physical activity can be fun, and, to quote the famous children's author Dr. Seuss, "fun is good."

For more detailed information on how exercise can help relieve stress, check out this article.