Exercise is something everyone does, whether it be in the interest of losing weight, bodybuilding, or in controlling diabetes and hypertension. However, in addition to all of this, exercise proves to be very beneficial in stress management. Recent studies show that today most of people are suffering from stress, due to our hectic lifestyles. With the increase of stress in modern life, experts are now advocating the benefits of exercise on mental health and as a stress management tool.
Besides offering benefits for the mental effects of stress, exercise is a great means of letting out negative emotions from stress, like anger and irritability. This letting out of negative emotions is very good for stress management and is possible with the positive outlook that exercise provides. With exercise, endorphins are produced in the body which are considered to be the stress management chemicals of the brain. When looking at the physical benefits of exercise, it tends to strengthen the heart and provides greater elasticity to the blood vessels. This in turn provides for an increase of oxygen in the body.
All stress management seminars emphasize the benefits of exercise. It is emphasized that those with high blood pressure, those at risk of a stroke or those having a heart condition will benefit from exercise. This is because exercise helps in the lowering of blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. With exercise, the blood flow to the brain tends to increase and this is how exercise works as a great tension reliever.
It has been proven, and found through research that it is physically fit people who are able to handle the long term effects of stress without actually becoming ill or burning out. Researchers have proven that if and when you decide on an exercise program, it is always better to choose an exercise that you enjoy doing. If you prefer to exercise with other people, then it is better to join an aerobics class or run with a group of friends. You might even consider participating in a team sport like football, basketball, cricket or hockey where you will enjoy yourself with other players and at the same time, get sufficient exercise.
However, if you prefer your solitude, you can always get your exercise by jogging on the beach or by walking around your neighborhood. For optimal stress management relief, it is better to exercise at least every alternate day. With this, your body can recover and rest from a heavy workout. Just remember that when working out alone it is important to make your work out locale convenient enough to fit into your daily routine and lifestyle. There is no point in joining a health club found an hour from your home or office as you not only waste money traveling to the place, but it is very likely that you will discontinue exercising without someone to properly motivate you.
Keep in mind that exercise works for stress management only if and when it is fun. Moreover, when exercising for stress management, it is necessary to exercise with caution and not to start an exercise program without consulting the doctor or stress management professional. This is because if stress management is difficult for you, the doctor may advise to maintain a low to moderate range when exercising. It is very important to use exercise as an intelligent tool for the management of stress; this can be attained by unwinding and cooling off before using the treadmill. This is because if you exercise when in great stress where the heart rate is elevated; it is possible to have a heart attack or stroke. This only leads to a failure in stress management. Always start slow when exercising for stress management. If there is any chest pain, cramps or dizziness, it means that you are straining yourself.
The best exercises for stress management are relaxing exercises like yoga or stretching for those having jobs involving the climbing of stairs, walking or anything that increases the heart rate during exercise. However, those having a sedentary job should opt for running, cycling, swimming or the playing of sports. Remember, exercise and stress management work together for the health of your body.
