Stress Relief through Exercise

These are stressful times as we watch our world go through traumatic changes. We feel uneasy when our physical and financial well being are threatened. And our bodies instinctually respond in a primal fashion of fight or flight. The body is prepared to expend energy, which in prehistoric times was a necessity for survival. Obviously there is no individual to fight and no place to take flight.

Stress releases adrenaline into your bloodstream. Additional blood flows into your brain and your heart rate increases. Some body functions like our cardiovascular system accelerates, while others like our gastrointestinal system slow down. Inevitably stress will affect the immune system.

Energy is concentrated in the muscles to respond to the threatening scenario. Modern society has resulted in the creation of emotional stress that cannot be directly dealt with in a physical fashion. Without a physical release your body suffers from an adrenaline overload.

According to Garrett Braunreiter of WorldPeakPerformance.com, "The problem is, not all stress-inducing situations disappear as quickly or entirely, which means that for days, even weeks, your body remains in a chronic state of emergency. Over time, this can cause or worsen many health problems you may harbor, from hypertension to depression. When you're stressed, you're more prone to both physical and psychological symptoms."

Stress Release

Since we cannot challenge the object of our stress to a dual or joist, we must still find a vent for this adrenaline rush. Exercise is the logical outlet, allowing us to disperse excess hormones. Is can be useful in removing the byproducts of the stress response. It releases the fight or flight phenomenon. Consequently, regular exercise assists the body in achieving a relative state of equilibrium.

Consider the following benefits exercise has in relieving stress:

1. Exercise Detoxifies Stress Related Compounds. Your body goes into a biochemical overload under stress. Exercise is useful in removing the byproducts of a stressful situation.
2. Outlet for Anger. Anger and hostility have been directly related to disease progression. Physical activity can be a healthy catharsis for these caustic emotions. The physical release of exercise tends to dissipate feelings of anger in a positive and healthy way.
3. Creates Meditative State. Certain forms of repetitive exercise like jogging, bicycling and swimming can alter your state of consciousness. Regular participation in exercise can produce affects similar to meditation. The consistent breathing and motion can result in a feeling of calmness and tranquillity.
4. Enhanced Feeling of Self-esteem. Studies have correlated high levels of self-esteem and self-efficacy with the increased ability to handle stress related situations. Exercise promotes self-esteem by:
   • Exercise creates a sense of self-worth from knowing that you are accomplishing a health enhancing experience that benefits your self.
   • When participating in social or team sports, there is a value attached to the social acceptance and status.
   • The altered and improved physical appearance resulting from exercise often increases a person's self-image. Your body becomes more socially desirable.
   • Consistent exercising promotes physical challenges. When conquered, this can foster a feeling of self-efficacy.
5. Solitude and Introspection. Exercise for many is a solitary escape from the stressful pressures of contemporary society. Whether running on a treadmill, riding a bike in the country or swimming laps in a pool, it allows time to be introspective.
6. Endorphin Rush. Fact or fiction? There appears to be clinical evidence that proves the body increases the production of endorphins after 20 minutes or more of exercise. Chemically this is similar to the opiates found in morphine like substances. These endorphins can have a pain relieving effect and can promote a mental state of euphoria. The positive mood associated from frequent exercising effectively reduces depression and stress related problems.
7. Improved Sleep. Stress overload can result in less sleep and adequate rest. When one does sleep it tends to be restless, without the necessary deep rest. Regular physical activity encourages a sound sleep.