If the thought of paying taxes and family obligations has you stressed, you’re not alone. Studies show 77% of American are regularly stressed. The physical effects of stress are manifested in many forms, like headaches, insomnia, anxiety, weight gain, mood swings. But how you deal with them can be detrimental to your health.
If your first instinct is instant gratification – starting a fight, grabbing a drink, yelling – this doesn’t solve the long-term issues. The best way to deal with the emotions and effect of stress is by channeling your anger and stress. Physical activity is the best way to not only manage stress but eliminate the symptoms that stem from it.
If you’ve heard of the runner’s high - the increased production of endorphins, the neurotransmitter that makes you feel good - any physical activity can boost endorphins, and this ultimately will help you reset those hormones that cause stress.
Depending on your level of stress, here are a few examples to help deal with different types of stress.
· If you’re suffering from anxiety and can’t stop your brain from overanalyzing, a mindless workout where you body gets into a rhythm can help slow your thoughts down while you focus on the activity. Walking or taking a bike ride are a great way to keep your anxiety from overwhelming you.
· If you’re angry or tense a harder, faster workout that keeps your brain engaged can help refocus the aggression and tension. HIIT, cardio or strength training are examples of workouts you can do to help relax your mind.
· If you’re looking to decompress from a stressful day keeping your mind and body in tune can help dissolve the day away. Yoga and Pilates are exercises that force you to breathe and keep your focus on your body’s movements quieting your mind.
We know working out is good for your body, but it’s also good for your mind and when so much of us are carrying heavy loads in our daily lives, taking a moment to recognize what’s stressing you out and being able to do something about it are necessary steps towards bettering not only our physical health, bur our mental health as well.
