|
In
upstate New York, the mild winter has left for an almost summer-like spring.
The warmer weather has jump started the outside activities of summer-like
running. Running (really all forms of exercise) has many benefits for your body
and your mind. Although there is no clinical proof, exercise is a prescribed
treatment for mild depression, anxiety, and stress. There have been links to
cardio exercise increasing cardiovascular health, muscle tone, energy levels,
and overall well-being. Any type of exercise can relieve stress and you can be
of any fitness level to enjoy the benefits.
 I
touched a little bit on the danger of living with high stress in an earlier
blog post. It can cause premature cell
aging
and a host of physiological and psychological symptoms. In an effort to present
a unified theory on the effects of exercise, Peter Salmon at the University of
Liverpool conducted a review of information on exercise and mental health.
Using his findings and some other resources, I'll explain some of the direct
stress-busting benefits.Image Credit
-Running
increases endorphins. Endorphins are the body's "feel good" neurotransmitter
responsible for the "runner's high." Runner's high is often described as a euphoric
state resulting from long distance running. The neurotransmitters have also
been linked to depression; an increase in endorphins from exercise has antidepressant
and anxiolytic effects. (Endorphins are also released after taking many
recreation drugs-but I'm hoping to get you addicted to exercise instead.)
-After
a good workout it's common to find that you've forgotten the day's stressors
since you were concentrating on your body's movements. You start to focus on a
single task and the energy and optimism gained can help you remain calm and
clear. Exercise releases norepinephrine, which increases heart rate and prepares
the body for flight-or fight response. The depletion of norepinephrine has been
linked to a chronic stress, but exercise has been shown to steadily increase
the amount of the neurotransmitters resulting in a larger reserve of the
chemical, so depletion caused by stress is less likely to occur.
-
Exercising increases your self-confidence, and lowers the symptoms associated
with mild depression and anxiety. Since you're more relaxed it's easier for you
to sleep, which also reduces stress, depression and anxiety. Exercise can give
you a sense of command over your body and your life.
Your
body is physically designed to take stress in different ways. Running in
sneakers can increase the stress and force on your feet. When you run or
exercise in sneakers you tend to land on your heel causing a great collision
force on the foot and leg. Running barefoot causes you to
run more on your toes and you'll land on the forefront of your feet. A smaller
part of the foot comes to s sudden stop and the natural spring-like motion of the
foot and leg absorbs further shock. Sneaker designers are working on ways to
make running more comfortable and more like running barefoot. The Vibram
Fivefingers
are the closest so far.
 Image Credit
I
don't suggest dropping everything and running a 5K after reading this article.
You should increase your level of exercise gradually and start slow. If you
spend all day sitting
at your desk,
you could start with working at a standing work station and/or having a walking
meeting. Make sure you schedule it into
your day because it is a priority. Also make sure that you like what you're
doing. I've never really liked working out on gym equipment, so I have to trick
myself into exercising by taking dance or cycling classes. As long as you're
doing cardio for 30 minutes to an hour each day, what you're doing is less
important than actually doing it.
Another
tip: don't let exercise be a stressor. Set some goals for yourself and workout
with an encouraging friend. The more accomplished and supported you feel, the
more likely you'll continue to exercise and the less stressed out you'll be.
I've
signed up for my first two 5K races so far this summer. Like I mentioned before, I've never really
enjoyed working out but I'm hoping that having a goal and a definitive date to
accomplish it by will keep me on track!
Exercise and
Stress Relief
New
Theory Suggests Exercise is a Human Adaptation for Stress Management
| 
Re: A Solution For Stress
