Activities Dealing With Stress Relief - When stress affects the brain, with its many nerve connections, the rest of the body feels the impact as well. So it stands to reason that if your body feels better, so does your mind. Exercise and other physical activity produce endorphins—chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers—and also improve the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress. Meditation, acupuncture, massage therapy, even breathing deeply can cause your body to produce endorphins. And conventional wisdom holds that a workout of low to moderate intensity makes you feel energized and healthy.
Physical activity helps to use up the excess energy produced by the stress response. In fight-or-flight mode, the body is ready for intense physical activity. By exercising, the stress response runs its course, and the body returns to a physiological normal. Exercise relieves stress - so how does it do it? You may have guessed it - the simple answer is, exercise releases counter hormones that do a great job in containing the negative effects of the stress hormones in our system.
These hormones, produced typically after about 20 minutes of a good work out, can act as temporary pain relievers, promote a feel-good sensation, and help improve our focus in whatever we subsequently do.Additionally, exercise relaxes the muscles that get contracted when we are stressed, that further aids in stress relief. Even as little as 5 to 10 minutes of exercise is better than no exercise at all.
When you're feeling stressed, some simple activities exercises can provide relief right away. These exercises are not the kind you need sweatpants for. You can do them almost anytime and anywhere. They will help you feel more relaxed.
Walking
Taking a walk is a great way to fight stress. Walking offers a chance to take a break from a stressful situation. It can also give you a few minutes to think things through. Even a short walk can help you feel better. That's because walking is a positive action that you control.
Stretching
Muscle tension is a common response to stress. Stretching is a simple way to loosen up. Try these:
Neck stretch. Sit up straight and tuck in your chin. Place your left hand on the right side of your head. Gently pull your head to the left and hold for 10 seconds. Switch sides and repeat the exercise.
Shoulder and arm stretch. Put your hands together and lock your fingers. Then raise your hands above your head, palms upward. Hold for 15 seconds and relax. Repeat 3 times.
Deep breathing
Deep breathing is a simple method for relieving tension. Use 3 deep breaths each time you do this exercise.
Inhale. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose. Take in as much air as possible. Hold for 3 seconds.
Exhale. Breathe out slowly through your mouth. Try pursing your lips as if you were going to whistle. This helps control how fast you exhale.
And last but not the least, exercise is a great way to vent out our daily frustrations. Many times it is not in our best interests to express our anger at others, nor is it the best option to repress it inside ourselves. Exercise offers a viable, more agreeable and healthful third alternative.
Physical activity helps to use up the excess energy produced by the stress response. In fight-or-flight mode, the body is ready for intense physical activity. By exercising, the stress response runs its course, and the body returns to a physiological normal. Exercise relieves stress - so how does it do it? You may have guessed it - the simple answer is, exercise releases counter hormones that do a great job in containing the negative effects of the stress hormones in our system.
These hormones, produced typically after about 20 minutes of a good work out, can act as temporary pain relievers, promote a feel-good sensation, and help improve our focus in whatever we subsequently do.Additionally, exercise relaxes the muscles that get contracted when we are stressed, that further aids in stress relief. Even as little as 5 to 10 minutes of exercise is better than no exercise at all.
Walking
Taking a walk is a great way to fight stress. Walking offers a chance to take a break from a stressful situation. It can also give you a few minutes to think things through. Even a short walk can help you feel better. That's because walking is a positive action that you control.
Stretching
Muscle tension is a common response to stress. Stretching is a simple way to loosen up. Try these:
Neck stretch. Sit up straight and tuck in your chin. Place your left hand on the right side of your head. Gently pull your head to the left and hold for 10 seconds. Switch sides and repeat the exercise.
Shoulder and arm stretch. Put your hands together and lock your fingers. Then raise your hands above your head, palms upward. Hold for 15 seconds and relax. Repeat 3 times.
Deep breathing
Deep breathing is a simple method for relieving tension. Use 3 deep breaths each time you do this exercise.
Inhale. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose. Take in as much air as possible. Hold for 3 seconds.
Exhale. Breathe out slowly through your mouth. Try pursing your lips as if you were going to whistle. This helps control how fast you exhale.
And last but not the least, exercise is a great way to vent out our daily frustrations. Many times it is not in our best interests to express our anger at others, nor is it the best option to repress it inside ourselves. Exercise offers a viable, more agreeable and healthful third alternative.