The relation between stress and exercise

Additionally, we are continually under assault on a physical level, with our environment becoming increasingly toxic, affecting the food we eat to the air we breathe. In fact the unforgiving pace and complexity of modern life has seriously called into question our ability to live a healthy full life.

While stress is ever-present in each of our lives to varying degrees, it has reached a point of universal concern. Both males and females are affected by stress but women are more deeply affected by the physical and emotional effects of stress than men, according to Dr Paul J. Rosch, president of the American Institute of Stress (AIS).

STRESS: how women are affected Women produce a hormone called oxytocin, which is a natural anti-stress hormone produced during childbirth, breastfeeding, and in both genders (male and female) during orgasm. Oxytocin levels are boosted in women during nurturing activities also.

However, women need more oxytocin than men to maintain their emotional health. As a result of a female’s predisposition to nurture (unlike men), they are often negatively affected when they’re not touched, and are more inclined to feel more stress than men in relationships.

The overall cause of your stress may vary, but if you have stress with your work, your kids, your neighbors and marriage all at once, or any combination thereof, it can lead to serious negative physical changes in your body.

Exercise is a fantastic way of managing your stress levels. Exercise increases your overall health and your sense of well-being, which puts more pep in your step every day. But exercise also has some direct stress-busting benefits.

1. It pumps up your endorphins.

Physical activity helps bump up the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins. This is often referred to as a runner’s high, though an exciting dance class or a nature hike can contribute to this same feeling. It is of interest to note that dancing with your spouse can also assist in healing some marital problems, since dancing can assist individuals achieve emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration. Bene_ cial for both physical and mental health, dance therapy can be used for stress reduction, disease prevention, and mood management.

2. It’s meditation in motion.

After a fast-paced spin class, several laps in the pool or any challenging workout you’ll often find that you’ve forgotten the day’s irritations and concentrated only on your body’s movements.

By repeating focus consuming exercises you will begin to regularly shed your daily tensions through movement and physical activity. This change in focus can help you remain calm and clear in everything you do while increasing your energy level.

3. It improves your mood.

Regular exercise can increase self-confidence, it can relax you, and it can lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety.

Exercise can also improve your sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety. All of these benefits of exercise effectively eases your stress levels and give you a sense of command over your body and your life.

4. It can teach you to relax.

If you often feel stressed or anxious, it’s important to learn how to relax. Some people find that physical activity, yoga or other relaxation techniques can help. You could make a list of things that help you to relax and schedule one every day.

Do what you love. Virtually any form of exercise or movement can increase your fitness level while decreasing your stress. The most important thing is to pick an activity that you enjoy. Examples include walking, hiking, dancing jogging, bicycling, yoga, gardening, weightlifting and swimming