From the AEGIS e-Journal, Volume 17 Number 11, November 2014
Relax Through Exercise
Regular exercise brings you so many benefits, everything from weight control to cardiovascular health, even boosting your brain power. But do you realize that working out is a great way to de–‐stress and relax?
Let’s face it: we all feel stress. When we’re worried and taxed out, it affects the brain and the body, thus impacting our daily lives, including our mood, sleep and self–‐ esteem. The good news is that something as accessible as exercise can keep stress at bay and help us to relax.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), exercise is vital for reducing stress and is highly recommended by health care professionals— and is becoming one of the top methods of handling stress. Through exercise the brain produces endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. Those feel–‐good sensations, also known as a runner’s high, can be achieved through regular exercise, and in turn can lead to an overall healthier self. Another plus: endorphins improve our ability to sleep.
A Harvard Men’s Health Watch article published in February 2011 noted that the reduction of stress through exercise is also achieved behaviorally. That’s because exercise can improve one’s self–‐image, in turn increasing self–‐esteem and confidence. Exercise also reduces some of the body’s stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. Even 30 minutes of moderate activity each day will do wonders to keep you fit and relaxed. Take a brisk walk through your neighborhood. Try yoga. Do jumping jacks and jog in place. It’s all good, and it’s a natural and healthy way to relax.
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Resources: Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), “Physical Activity Reduces Stress,” http://www.adaa.org/understanding–‐anxiety/related–‐illnesses/other–‐ related–‐conditions/stress/physical–‐activity–‐reduces–‐st
Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Men’s Health Watch, “Benefits of Exercise,” http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/benefits–‐of–‐exercisereduces–‐stress–‐ anxiety–‐and–‐helps–‐fight–‐depression