Stress is an almost-unavoidable part of being an adult --- but that doesn't mean it has to control your life. While there's a lot of buzz about the ways that exercise can benefit your body, staying active is also a healthy way to manage stress; getting active has a unique effect on your body, helping you to relax and feel better almost instantly. Consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise program, and about any persistent or troublesome stress issues.
How Exercise Reduces Stress
Exercise helps relieve stress by affecting both your brain and body. Activity increases your brain's production of endorphins, the neurotransmitters that make you feel relaxed and boost your mood, the American Council on Exercise explains. Regular exercise can also help you feel better about yourself and improve your sleep, both of which have a major effect on stress levels. Finally, focusing on the activity at hand, whether it's powering through a tough aerobics class or pitching a baseball, allows you to forget about work, money, relationships and other sources of stress.
Finding the Right Exercise
Virtually any form of exercise can help relieve stress; the best stress-busting workouts for you depend on your personality and your own sources of stress. For example, if a crowded and busy office environment makes it impossible for you to relax, try outdoor activities that you can enjoy alone, like hiking, biking or walking. On the other hand, if you spend much of your day alone, the added socialization of a jog with a friend or a group fitness class can turn exercise into a pick-me-up. To choose the right exercise, think about what you find relaxing: Some people enjoy the repetitive, rhythmic movement involved in biking, running and swimming laps; or if a good song always boosts your mood, try a dance class or an aerobics video set to a great music.
Yoga
Yoga is one of the very best stress-busting exercises; since it focuses so heavily on conscious movement and deep breathing, it can help you turn your attention inward rather than focusing on outer sources of stress. Yoga is also quiet and calming, making it a good choice for people who find fast-paced activities overwhelming.
Aerobic Activity
For quick stress relief, the American Council on Exercise recommends just 20 minutes per day of aerobic exercise. Running, walking, aerobics classes, swimming and bicycling can all help you work up a sweat and release feel-good endorphins.
Recreational Activities
Exercise that revolves around a game is a great stress-reliever since it's designed to be fun. Team sports like basketball, soccer and flag football also help you connect with friends or meet new people. If competitive sports don't interest you, think about the types of activities that you enjoyed as a child; you might find dance classes, ice skating or horseback riding just as thrilling now as you did when you were a kid.
Outdoor Activities
When so much of life is spent inside offices, cars, stores and home, getting some fresh air can be an instant mood-booster. Activities like running, walking, hiking, swimming and biking fit naturally into the outdoors, but don't be afraid to move a traditionally-indoor exercise outside; find a quiet spot in your local park to do yoga postures or bring the radio outside and dance in the privacy of your backyard.
