Many of us feel so stressed sometimes that we could just, well, let's just say we feel so wound up and tight that our fists clench, our necks tighten and we can feel the tension zinging through our bodies at breakneck speed. One of the ways you can reduce such tension and stress is to work it out. When we exercise and lift weights, our brains release endorphins, which act as pain killers and produces a natural feel good sensation, which not only relieves stress but lifts our mood. Lifting weights can help rid the body of that built up need to push, punch and grab, naturally, safely and effectively.
Step 1
Place a barbell or dumbbells on your shoulders and do some squats for a great way to relieve tension and muscle tightness throughout the body. Large and powerful body movements focus that excess energy into performing these moves, sending all that nervous energy into the thighs and hips, which not only shapes your butt and thighs but disperses that energy in a positive way.
Step 2
Perform biceps curls with a set of dumbbells or a barbell to stifle the urge to clobber your boss or an annoying co-worker. Put that extra adrenaline to good use and use it to build lean muscle mass instead of a headache. Perform shoulder presses, pretending you're lifting your nemesis over your head instead of a barbell for a humorous vision that relieves stress and builds the shoulder muscles at the same time.
Step 3
Burn off excess energy and frustration by performing a variety of weightlifting moves that helps reduce stress and tension. According to the National Correctional Recreation Organization and an article in The Prison Journal (Vol. 89, No. 3, 328-343 (2009) regarding stress and depression in low-security inmates, the reason behind inmate weightlifting programs is to help inmates relieve tension, anger and frustration to keep them calmer.
