Stress is our body’s natural reaction to a challenge or demand, but can be harmful to our bodies if it lasts too long or occurs too frequently. Here are some proven stress busting tips.
If so, then these techniques may be able to help. The process involves exercising both your mind and your body for maximum impact. So, let the stress busting begin!
Exercise Your Body
According to the Mayo Clinic, almost any type of exercise from aerobic to anaerobic can help to decrease stress. As little as 15-20 minutes of exercise can help. Harvard Health Publications indicates that to see more results you should aim for 15-20 minutes of vigorous exercise or 30-40 minutes of moderate exercise.
Here’s how it works. Physical exercise simulates your neurotransmitters reducing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline and stimulating feel good endorphins that reduce pain and elevate mood. Endorphins are what causes that high sensation that you get after a great workout, also known as the “runner’s high”.
Exercise Tips
Try an exercise that requires repetition and focus. This allows your mind to focus on exercise rather than the stresses of your everyday life. It is a form of physical meditation. Try walking, running, or yoga for example. The Yoga classes at Elite are a great choice because Yoga focuses on deep breathing (the mind) and physical movement (the body). Click here for a listing of Elite Sports Clubs Mind/Body classes. Another great option is to use an elliptical. The repetitive motion acts as natural stress relief. Stretching also reduces stress, so don’t skip the pre and post workout stretching session.
Exercise Your Mind
Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise when it comes to stress reduction. This is where deep breathing, meditation and muscle relaxation come into play. Here are a few places to start besides the Yoga classes mentioned above which focus on deep breathing, this Harvard Health Publications article walks you through all three: deep breathing, meditation and muscle relaxation. Calm.com features great guided and unguided meditation sessions in which you can meditate from 2-20 minutes, it also has a convenient mobile app. It is important to find the method that works best for you. Find something that you like so that you will continue to do it. Then just relax and reap the rewards of a less stressful life.
Start reducing your stress today. You’ll be glad that you did. Your life will run more smoothly, you will be able to accomplish daily tasks more easily and will be able to take control of that “nagging stressful feeling.” Sign up for a class today to start reducing stress in your life!
Get your own personalized plan!