Exercise Your Options to Live Stress-Free
By Sandy Schroeder
When most of us are stressed we eat too much, have that second glass of wine, or complain to anyone who will listen. Actually, we should start moving and keep moving.
HarvardHealth says most forms of exercise can be relaxing, siphoning off our stress and lifting our mood.
Try Aerobics
Regular aerobics may replace feelings of stress with exhilaration followed by relaxation. Your body, heart, mood and metabolism will all change for the better. Depression and stress tend to fade. Pick the aerobics that please you and enjoy the results. Dancing, swimming, spinning or running may become a must. Once you start you will probably keep right on going.
Exercise cuts the body's stress hormones, and increases endorphins, the chemicals in the brain that ease pain and lift the mood. If aerobics are new choices for you, be sure to get your doctor’s approval first.
Opt for Sports
Wherever you like to be, on the basketball, volleyball or tennis courts, or on the green, make your choice and watch your stress fade. Interacting with friends and making new connections with new groups will push stress way back.
Keep It Simple
Almost any type of exercise will help you relax. Many people find rhythmic repetition becomes a “muscular meditation.” Just putting one foot in front of the other as you walk around the block in the morning, or walk with your kids after dinner works. If you like a little more action, explore hiking, biking, or jogging.
Stay Active at Home
When you are feeling stressed, working in the garden, trimming the bushes, vacuuming or mopping may delete stress and please you with the results.
Try Yoga or Tai Chi
Both yoga and tai chi are often called meditations in motion. The moment I settle onto a yoga mat I can feel my stress lift. After a full hour of mind and body exercise I usually leave smiling. Tai chi works the same way for me. As I stand and sway with the gentle movements of tai chi I can feel my spirit lift and my body let go of tension and stiffness. Yoga is especially flexible. Simple stress-releasing poses can be done during the day or before bedtime.
However you choose to exercise, if you make it a daily habit you may be amazed at the amount of stress reduction. As always, if you are starting a new exercise, get your doctor's approval first.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Valencia, Calif.