Stress Relieving Activity
Exercise to Relieve Stress

Exercise is a stress relieving activity or the best method to relieve stress. When fully engaged in a fitness exercise program the body releases endorphins in the brain (which induces a natural high and dissipates the stress) leaving you feeling energized and relaxed.

It doesn't matter what form of exercise you choose for your fitness exercise program, the point is that any type of exercise will achieve the same results - so use exercise to relieve stress. Whether its walking, running, stretching, aerobics or yoga; your body becomes completely relaxed and able to cope with whatever it is that caused the stress in the first place.

Furthermore, exercise is essential for your cardiovascular system. It improves your overall health and along with a diet regimen, can help you maintain a balance within. Saying that, go and:

• walk for 20 minutes every other day
• bike in the park
• engage in aerobic exercises either at home or at the gym

are all examples of exercises that are the clear cut solutions to relieving stress.

For example, if you are a working mom or dad - walk during your lunch hour every day for 20 minutes before lunch. Sometimes fatigue sets in during the early afternoon and this is a great way to become energized for the rest of the workday.

If you are working on a project and cannot take a lunch break - take a five minute break and do some stretch exercise in the office to help relieve stress since sitting all day in front of a computer is not healthy and can cause leg cramps, shoulder and back problems, neck cramps and clots. So get up and move around because it's essential.

Here's a tip - Stretching will help relieve the stress that causes these symptoms, and you will be able to finish out the day in a calmer and more relaxed state.

One can always tell when stress is taking its toll. The body tenses up, muscle aches begin, and irritability becomes your unwanted friend. Remember, exercise is a stress relieving activity, no matter what form, and it not only makes you feel good but it also relaxes the body and frees up the mind to be able to concentrate on the tasks at hand.

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More information and resources ...

Sun Valley Yoga FAQ page

Universal Yoga - Benefits of Yoga page