06 Feb How To Use Exercise To Relieve Stress

Since we are surrounded by constant hustle and bustle of the outside world, it is no wonder that even little things can trigger bad mood, agitation, and stress.

We are all well aware that regular exercising has numerous positive benefits, from losing weight and gaining muscles to improving your well-being and boosting your immune system. Believe it or not, exercising can actually be a fantastic stress reliever.

Oh yes, whenever you feel down you simply need to move your body and in no time will you start feeling revived. If you are still in doubt, read on to find out how to use exercise to relieve stress.

Revamp your state of mind

After coming home from work, most of just want to take of our business clothes, relax and be with our loved ones. However, when all the stressful and negative thoughts and things start piling up, you won’t be able to relax even in the comfort of your home. Exercising can help there. When you arrive home, put on your workout clothes and go for a jog around the neighborhood, play a game of racket ball, or simply hit the gym. After an hour of a fast-paced game of badminton or some other sporting activity, your body will start pumping happy endorphins. Your brain will produce “feel-good” neurotransmitters, thus making you forget about stressful problems. You will revamp your mood by actively using motion meditation.

Reconnect with nature

One of the ways to combine more positive things together and forget about all the things that have been worrying you is to get connected with nature. Fresh air and exercising have always gone hand in hand. Chose a mindful exercise such as pilates or yoga and go out to your lush backyard. Lie the mat in a shade and get connected to the environment. Slow down your pace by listening to your inner body, focus on the smells and the sounds around you. By doing yoga or some other mindful workout out in the open, you would both will utterly be rejuvenated and re-energized. Not only will you totally eliminate stress from your organism, but with exercise, you will enhance your stamina and promote muscle growth.

Set a comfortable atmosphere

Being in a familiar ambient or exercising where you feel your best is the key to easing up the tensions and achieving a favorable result. Basically, any form of exercise or movement can increase your fitness level while decreasing your stress. However, you would feel more pleasant in a familiar or comfortable area. You can do a cardio workout on a spin bike in your house, or do Thai chi in your garage while listening to tranquil music. When you are surrounded by the things that calm you down and when you are in a serene atmosphere, you will surely benefit from exercising and get relieved from stress.

Find “partner in crime”

When you get distant from the people you are close with, you will start feeling even more disheartened, tense and nervous. Call a friend or two to exercise with. It doesn’t have to be an ongoing matter if they are not available, but from time to time go bowling together, play football or volleyball, or simply go for a run together. When you find a partner to exercise with, you will stay committed to exercising and your motivation will increase. Someone waiting for you in front of the gym is a powerful incentive. You will both stay committed and you will have a “partner in crime” who would be there to support you and listen to your worries if needed, thus help you overcome any obstacles you might face.

Do safe and low-impact activities

In order to get the maxim out of the exercise, you had better consult a physician about your health before you start some new workout. When he gives you the green light to fight off highly-stressed lifestyle with some quality exercises, then you need to estimate what kind of exercise would suit you. For relieving stress and getting some gainful physical results, you should go swimming or jogging. In both exercises, you need to completely move your whole body and muscles. Plus, a mountain hike is always a good solution, since you will be pushing your boundaries and being out on the fresh air. Other low impact activities such as water aerobics, yoga or Thai chi are also extremely beneficial for both relieving your stress level and keeping you in good shape.

Consider exercising as a pleasant and mind-enriching activity, and not something on your to-do list. Once you input exercise in your everyday routine, you will relive from stress and start feeling much more rehabilitated and tranquil.