Get Moving to Kick Stress

It'll do you good!

Exercise may be the most effective method of stress reduction. Physical activity reduces cortisol levels in your blood, directly lowering your stress level. Moving your body has a ton of positive side effects for your overall health, in addition to stress reduction. It makes your body produce endorphins, the feel-good hormones that give you a natural high.

It can also help you lose those unwanted pounds.

Another side effect of exercise is improved insulin control, which enhances your appetite control. In addition, it helps lower your blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels, meaning your heart doesn't have to work so hard. Other benefits include a boost in your immune system, better quality sleep, and improved digestion.

The long-term benefits 

These are the short-term benefits of exercise. You get most of them immediately upon working out. However, the long-term benefits of exercise are even more important. They include a lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, cancer, lower stress levels, and better weight control. Regular exercise even lowers your chances of developing dementia in your older years.

Too busy? Not a problem!

You may be thinking that's great, but I don't have time to work out. So how am I supposed to fit one more thing into my schedule? The good news is that you don't have to do a longer workout to get these benefits. A ten or fifteen-minute workout several days a week is all you need to reap most of the benefits of exercise, including a reduction in your stress levels.

Nor is aerobic exercise necessary to help with stress. There are plenty of non-aerobic options you can choose instead. For example, yoga, tai chi, and weightlifting are all gentle alternatives that have been shown to reduce stress. Water exercises are another alternative.

No gym needed

You don't have to have a gym either; take a walk if you don't have many other options. A brisk walk will have the same effect as an equal amount of yoga or weightlifting and doesn't require a trip to the gym. You can even work a walk into your lunch break if you don't have other available times.

Fun + Movement = Execise

Finally, don't discount the exercise value of recreational activities. Something doesn't have to be considered "exercise" to have exercise value. For example, swimming is both fun and counts as exercise. Dancing is another fun activity that gets you moving. Others include hiking, biking, and playing tennis. Jumping on a trampoline is exercising. Even playing tag with the kids in the yard counts as exercise!

You can find some form of exercise that you like or can at least tolerate. You just have to look. Don't let excuses or busyness get in the way. You must find a way to get exercise for both stress management and the sake of your overall health. You're worth the investment in your health. So don't keep putting it off; get your body moving today!