How Exercise Can Help You Regulate Stress

Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Are anxious thoughts keeping you up at night? 

You're not alone. 

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults yearly!

While pharmaceuticals may be one option for dealing with stress, they often come with side effects that can be just as harmful as the condition itself. 

Fortunately, there is a natural way to help regulate your stress levels: exercise! 

Read on to learn how exercise can benefit your mental health and help you live a happier and healthier life.

Exercise & Stress

Most often than not, we find ourselves stuck in a rut. We are deprived of the movement our bodies so desperately crave, and as a result, we feel dull and stressed. 

Our moods are labile, our energy is zapped, and we can't seem to focus. But it doesn't have to be this way! 

We can easily change how we feel by including some exercise into our weekly routine. 

Exercise gets our blood pumping, helps to improve our mood, and gives us more energy. 

A study has shown that even just a moderate amount of exercise can have dramatic effects on our mental health. 

And really, it does make sense because, during exercise, our bodies release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. 

In addition, exercise can help increase energy levels and improve sleep quality. 

All these factors combined can help reduce stress and improve our overall sense of wellbeing. 

So next time you're feeling down, remember that a bit of exercise might be just what the doctor ordered.

So next time you're feeling down, don't reach for the comfort food and don't dwell on depressing thoughts.

Choose one of these activities instead!

#1 Weight Lifting!

Many people might not think weight lifting is an excellent way to relax because of its intense nature.

But it may be one of the best ways to unwind and manage stress!

When you lift weights, you create a powerful stimulus for the body that boosts you on every level - physical, mental, and spiritual!

In addition, weightlifting can help increase your strength and stamina, giving you a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and higher self-esteem. 

And finally, working out can help to clear your mind and give you a break from everyday worries. 

That said, if you're looking for a way to relax and unwind, don't discount weightlifting - it just might be the perfect solution.

#2 Outdoor Activities

Most people have been told that they should spend time outside. 

And while there are myriad reasons why this is good advice, one of the essential things is stress management. 

When we spend time in nature, surrounded by the beauty of the trees, flowers, and wildlife, it can help reduce cortisol levels in our bodies. 

Cortisol is a hormone released in response to stress, and it can negatively impact our physical and mental health. 

In addition, spending time outdoors (especially in the sun) can help increase our serotonin levels, a chemical that helps to promote feelings of happiness and wellbeing. 

As a result, spending time in nature can effectively manage stress and improve our overall health and wellbeing.

Pair time outside with exercise activities like hiking and jogging, and you're on the highway to a well-regulated mood!

#3 Diving

Ever wonder what happens to your body when you take a deep breath and hold it underwater? 

Well, there's a science behind it! This reflex is known as the mammalian dive response, an autonomic response that occurs in mammals when submerged in water. 

When the body senses that it is underwater, it triggers physiological changes that prepare the mammal for diving and ultimately help it survive!

The heart rate slows, blood vessels constrict, and the body's pace drops. 

Though this is a survival response, all of its characteristics lead to one logical thing … The feeling of relaxation and oneness!

Furthermore, that feeling intensifies when you observe the underwater world's beauty.

So next time you're feeling stressed and have some water body nearby… Go for a dive!

#4 Social Sports

When they think of exercise, a lot of people think of going to the gym and working out by themselves. 

And while that can be a great way to relieve stress, it's not the only way. Social sports can be just as effective when it comes to managing stress. 

Not only do you get the benefits of physical activity, but you also get the benefits of social interaction. 

And that social interaction can be essential to relieving stress. 

When you're playing a sport with other people, you're bound to interact with them, which can help to take your mind off of whatever is stressing you out. 

Additionally, the endorphins released during exercise can help improve your mood and reduce stress levels. 

So next time you feel stressed, consider joining a social sports team. It might just be the workout you need.

Final Thoughts

And so, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed and stressed, don't forget to reach for your running shoes, diving mask or gym apparel!

Because exercise is a great way to manage stress and can have long-term benefits for our mental health. 

What are some of your favourite exercises? Do you find that they help reduce your stress levels? Let us know in the comments below!