What is Stress and Anxiety?
Stress and anxiety are mental states that arise from the anticipation of an impending situation, either pleasurable or painful. It is a sensation experienced when there is anticipation of imminent danger, harm, a difficult or challenging event.
A study, published by the journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, found that people who work out four or more times a week are three times less likely to experience high levels of anxiety.
Stress and anxiety are an unfortunate side effect of the modern world. The stress response is designed to help us deal with acute emergencies -fight or flight- and it can be helpful in those circumstances, but when we have a chronic stress response, it’s deadly.
When you are stressed in case of fear or danger, your body releases the Cortisol hormone (The Stress Hormone), this hormone increases both your blood pressure and your heart rate.
Stress and anxiety has been associated with a host of physical and mental health problems including hypertension, diabetes, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and cardiovascular disease.
How Does Exercise Reduce Stress and Anxiety?
Stressed out of shape? A new study shows that exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress and anxiety. Exercise has been proven to release Endorphins and create a feeling of euphoria in your brain that can actually combat anxiety and depression.
Endorphins are neurotransmitters created by the central nervous system. These endorphins travel through your body and block pain signals from reaching the brain, similar to morphine. They also release hormones such as Dopamine and Serotonin (happiness hormones) which can help improve mood, behavior and regulate sleep cycles.
Exercise helps our minds by clearing our thoughts and allowing us to think more positively. Just 20 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity daily can reduce anxiety levels by as much as 20%.
The benefits of exercise are limitless, you don’t have to go to the gym or spend hours at the gym to reap health benefits. Just get up and move!
Which Exercise Proven to Reduce Stress and Anxiety?
All types of general exercises benefits your health, however, Yoga exercise in particular proven to improve the mental and body health.
Yoga is a science of mind and body, with origins in ancient India. It combines postures, breathing exercises, and meditation or relaxation.
Yoga is a form of exercise which is practiced for developing body flexibility, strength and balance. Along with these benefits, Yoga helps to improve cardiovascular health, decrease high blood pressure and strengthens the lungs. Furthermore, it decreases stress, anxiety and depression.
You can do yoga at home, in the office, or anywhere! One of the favorites is called cat/cow pose. To perform it, kneel down on the ground with your hands placed firmly on either side of your hips. You can also do this with your hands placed behind your back for support. Take a deep breath in as you tuck your chin towards your chest. Lower yourself carefully towards the ground until you’re in a deep stretch position similar to that of an animal stretching its neck after waking up from a nap.
Final Thoughts
Exercise reduces stress and anxiety. Workout will release endorphins that will alleviate your anxiety and help you with stress relief. I hope you enjoyed this blog about how exercise reduces stress and anxiety. Exercise is a great form of self-care, whether it be yoga, running, or going to the gym. It’s recommended to do at least 30 minutes a day for your mental health.
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