1 in 3 adults exercise the suggested amount of time each week.
The typical workday contains an extreme amount of stress, especially if you have kids. People find themselves rushing to get to the office and returning with just enough time to make dinner and sleep.
The days always seem to get shorter, and we find ourselves with less time to exercise. However, exercise is the exact thing we need. Not only does it contribute to our health, but it also reduces our stress.
Below are 5 ways you can use exercise to manage your stress. Check it out to start working towards a little more peace in your life.
1. Boosts Your Mood
The hardest part of exercising is convincing yourself to do it. Once you truly learn how exercise can relieve stress and boost your mood, it won’t be as difficult to convince yourself.
The boosted mood you experience after exercising will give you a clearer headspace when approaching stressful tasks later in the day.
2. Improves Mindfulness
When stressed, it’s important to focus on the moment. This decreases our anxiety.
Focusing on physical activity allows your mind to be present. Give exercises like yoga and pilates a try if you’re struggling with mindfulness. Yoga is not only meditative, but it also builds amazing body strength.
3. Increases Confidence Levels
Exercise is one of the best stress remedies and confidence boosters. No matter your exercise goals, you’ll start to feel better about your body once you introduce routine movement into your life.
4. Builds Community
If you’re looking to meet new people, try joining a local gym or workout group. You’ll be sure to run into friendly faces. Plus, the exercise journey gives everyone a common ground to discuss.
5. Pumps Up Endorphins
Our body uses endorphins to fight pain and feel good. By exercising, you’ll be naturally boosting your body’s endorphins. This is why most people feel a rush of excitement after a long workout.
Exercises to Try
Not knowing where to start is normal so we’re here to help.
If you want to get your blood pumping, try going for a jog. Running is a great way to get the blood and endorphins flowing through your body. You can also go for a brisk walk if you aren’t ready to run.
For a major challenge, try weight-lifting. Lifting weights is a great outlet for channeling negative emotions that you want to work through, and it builds your confidence.
Are you looking for something meditative? Try yoga because it relaxes your mind and builds body strength. You can also try hiking outdoors if you want to connect more with nature.
Watch Out for Excessive Stress
While exercising is great for many reasons, it’s important not to over-exercise. Over exercising creates an extreme strain on the body and mind. Exhaustion of the mind can lead to clouded decision-making and low motivation.
Give your muscles time to properly recover by sleeping well and indulging in relaxing activities, such as sitting in a sauna. Your mind will also appreciate the chance to clock-out for a bit.
Exercise is Your Best Friend
As you can see, there are tons of stress-relieving benefits to exercise. Getting active is a great way to keep the body and mind healthy.
Go for a jog to start your day off on the right foot. Try yoga for a bit if you need to calm your mind. Challenge yourself in weight-lifting for the confidence boost you’ve been looking for.
If you’re looking for more ways to boost your wellness, check out the rest of our site. Contact us if you’re interested in our chiropractic or nutrition services.