 Core
Training It's Not A Fad
Recipe For Safe Summer Grilling
Fit
Or What
Skin Health
Naw...It Can't Happen To Me!
A Real
Pain In The Butt!
The Top Ten Ways Exercise Can Help
Reduce Stress
MBS
Member Interviewed By Family Circle Magazine
THE TOP TEN WAYS EXERCISE
CAN HELP REDUCE STRESS
From ACE (AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EXERCISE), “Fitness
For All”
People who exercise regularly will tell you they feel
better. But why is that? Some would answer that it’s because chemicals called
neurotransmitters, produced in the brain, are stimulated during exercise. Since its
believed that neurotransmitters mediate our moods and emotions, it’s logical to
conclude that this stimulation can improve feelings and reduce stress.
While there’s no scientific evidence to support the
neurotransmitter theory conclusively, there is plenty to show that exercise provides
stress-relieving benefits. And lets face it: We could all do with less stress in our
lives.
Stress can leave you feeling drained, anxious, even depressed.
Fortunately, exercise has been proved to help alleviate these and many other
stress-related problems. So work out your worries with a workout and sweat out that
stress.
EXERCISE CAN MAKE YOU FEEL LESS ANXIOUS. Stress can make you feel
anxious, and studies show that people feel less jittery and hyperactive following
exercise.
‚ EXERCISE
RELAXES YOU. One exercise session generates 90 to 120 minutes of relaxation response.
This post-exercise euphoria improves your mood and leaves you feeling relaxed.
ƒ EXERCISE
INCREASES ALERTNESS. Studies have shown that when large muscle groups repeatedly
contract and relax, as in yoga, the brain receives a signal to release specific
neurotransmitters, which in turn make you feel relaxed and more alert.
„ EXERCISE
MAKES YOU FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOURSELF. Think about those times when you've been
physically active. Haven't you felt better about yourself That feeling of self-worth
contributes to stress relief.
… EXERCISE
REDUCES DEPRESSION. Some researchers believe exercise can be more effective than
medication for treating depression in some people.
† EXERCISE
HELPS YOU SLEEP MORE RESTFULLY. Stress can make it difficult to get a good nights
sleep, but studies show that people who exercise regularly sleep better than those who
don’t.
‡ EXERCISE
INCREASES ENERGY, WHICH CAN HELP YOU BETTER DEAL WITH STRESSFUL EVENTS. Stress can
leave you tired and weary, but even a 10-minute walk can go a long way to upping your
energy level. And the old adage is true-the more energy you use, the more you seem to
have.
ˆ EXERCISE
RIDS THE BODY OF STRESS-CAUSING ADRENALINE AND OTHER HORMONES. Vigorous activities
such as indoor cycling and sports such as basketball are particularly effective.
‰ EXERCISE
ENCOURAGES YOU TO FOLLOW A HEALTHIER DIET. People who exercise regularly tend to eat
more nutritious food. And its no secret that good nutrition helps your body manage stress
better.
Š EXERCISE
HELPS YOU TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF, WHICH CAN BE DIFFICULT TO DO WHEN YOU'RE STRESSED OUT.
Whether you exercise alone or with a friend, it's important to take time for yourself
during stressful periods.
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