Stress and Exercise

The multitude of helpful biochemicals that are produced when we exercise help to relieve stress. Marathon runners often talk about the "endorphin high" they feel during workouts and races. Endorphins are chemicals similar to opiates, released naturally to reduce pain during exercise. In the most extreme of cases it leads to a feeling of euphoria. Stress and exercise are natural opposites.

Apart from endorphins, the production of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine also have a mood-boosting effect. When endorphin levels drop too low, the results include depression, anxiety, and aggression.

Stress and exercise are opposites as exercise reduces stress directly through beneficial biochemicals and indirectly through reducing other biochemicals. Stress leads to the body producing cortisol and other hormones that can damage your blood vessels if left unchecked. This leads to scarring and ultimately to narrowing of the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks.

There are two ways in which exercise can aid in alleviating that problem. While working out, your body breaks those compounds down into harmless chemicals that you pass when urinating. Another way it assists is by making blood vessels more resilient and elastic; this means lingering stress chemicals can have less effect on them.

Stress can cause your muscles to tense up and stiffen, especially in your neck, your shoulders and the calves in your legs. Exercise helps loosen muscles that are tight from the effects of stress. Loosening the muscles up allows them greater access to oxygen from the blood. Reducing LDL, or bad cholesterol, and triglycerides will also improve the circulatory system. In short, exercise helps your body out in every way.

Regular exercise routines not only help in removing stress but also lead to psychological benefits. Focusing on the routine takes your mind away from stressors. Losing yourself in exercise makes it harder to concentrate on your unreasonable boss.

Those effects mentioned help the mind to bring about homeostasis. Homeostasis is the body's mechanism to return it to equilibrium after any stimulus or shock. A good workout can take your mind off of your problems, and help you to continue without feeling overwhelmed.

A regular workout is responsible for many other psychological benefits as well. Better health and better fitness levels lead to better self-confidence and self-esteem. Good feelings often result in the same being reflected in one's appearance. It also helps you notice that you are exerting effort to make your mind and body a better place. This can help resolve feelings life helplessness that come along with stress.

Just getting away from the house can help relieve stress for a while. Ideally, you should work out for at least 30 minutes 3-5 times per week. You will come to find your mood heightened and your stress levels lowered. Stress and exercise are natural opposites.