Can exercise really reduce stress?
Can exercise really reduce stress?
Yes! It is definitely true! Many studies have shown a correlation between exercise and reduced stress. There is even evidence to support the idea that regular exercise can reduce depression and anxiety. But before you groan and tell me you don’t have time for that, you might be excited to hear how little exercise you have to do to see some stress-relieving benefits. While 30-45 minutes of moderate daily exercise is the recommended goal, that doesn’t mean that has to be the only goal. Many studies have found that as little as 10-20 minutes of moderate exercise just a few times a week can lead to some measure of reduced stress. If you’re looking for a way to relieve stress, you might want to consider incorporating just a little exercise into your daily routine (with a doctor’s approval).
Exercise is well known for being an excellent stress reliever, but how exactly does it work? What happens in your body when you exercise? Exercise can create the following:
Endorphin production – Your pituitary gland and hypothalamus produce endorphins and hormones that can help reduce your stress and boost your mood. Exercise stimulates your body to produce more endorphins, and endorphins are natural hormones that can release a feeling of well being and can even reduce pain.
Better Sleep – Many studies show that a lack of sleep leads to a higher level of stress. Therefore it is safe to assume that more sleep means less stress. Exercise can help you get a better night’s sleep. When you burn up all those extra calories during the day, your body is ready for deeper sleep at night.
Real-time focus shift – When you’re stressed about something, it is very easy to hyperfocus on the source of that stress. When you exercise, you are forced to focus on your body’s movements. That shift in focus alone can often bring a nearly instant reduction in stress that can change the neuropathways in your brain. That change could be temporary, or just might be the push you needed to start turning things around to a more permanent reduction in stress over time.
If you are new to exercising, be sure to start off slow and consult with your doctor. A newly acquired injury could have the opposite effect on your stress levels, and nobody wants that. Also make sure to choose a workout that you’ll enjoy—remember that any physical activity can qualify as exercise, so if you’ll be more likely to stick with a routine that involves dancing rather than jogging, then do what makes you happy.
Still Need Help Reducing Your Stress Levels?
If you’ve tried incorporating exercise in the past and just can’t stick with it, or maybe you have not seen the results you want, you may want to consider speaking to a therapist. Luckily, you can rely on the experienced team at Balanced Mind Counseling to help you set things right. Our therapists understand the toll that stress can take on a person’s life, and once we’ve learned about your specific circumstances, we’ll be able to provide you with customized advice. Contact us today to get started.