3 Workouts That Can Really Reduce Stress
By Genevieve Cunningham
Stress is a part of life. There’s little we can do to eliminate all types of stress from our world, but learning to manage it is so important if we want to remain healthy. While there are plenty of techniques that we can use, incorporating exercise into our lives is a great way to lower stress and build physical fitness at the same time. To beat stress and feel your best, take a look at these effective exercises to try today.
Yoga
Yoga is well known for its ability to lower stress levels. It's similar to meditation, but slightly more mainstream and you'll get a workout at the same time. Long, deep stretches help to relax the muscles and alleviate tension. Deep, slow, deliberate breathing helps to calm the mind and lower anxiety. While it might actually raise your stress levels as you try to adjust to a new practice, it won’t take long before you notice some serious stress busting benefits from a regular routine.
Running
Running requires your full body. When you begin running, your leg muscles, arm muscles, even the abs are fully engaged. Your body goes all in … and this can be really great for lowering stress. Since your body only handles one type of stress at a time, running forces your body to focus on the physical stress and let the mental anguish go … even if it’s just for the duration of the run. If you’re feeling incredibly stressed for any reason, go for a run, and you’ll probably feel better mentally by the end.
Boxing
Who doesn’t want to punch things when they’re stressed?! There's something about the thought that is just so ... satisfying! Instead of lashing out at work or yelling at your kids, take it to the gym and let it out. The quick, powerful moves that come with boxing allow you to release pent-up energy and stress. After a good boxing session, you’ll probably be incredibly tired, but also mentally free from excessive stress.
Working out is a great way to keep stress levels under control. If your current approach isn’t working, look to these specific exercises to bust through the stress bubble and feel better than ever. You’ll probably notice an increase in mental satisfaction, and you may build the body of your dreams at the same time.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Escondido, Calif.