It can be easy to get caught up in everything that happens in life and end up feeling stressed all the time. People often have a lot on their plate to worry about that it can be hard to find a moment where you can stop and de-stress. Stress can cause a lot of symptoms in people such as tension headaches, aches and pains, irritability and even stomach problems. Sometimes it can lead to more serious issues such as depression. The problem is that there isn’t one fix that suits everyone, but there are certain things that people do to help and one of them is exercising.
There have been many studies over the years that show how exercising regularly can benefit people and help to treat stress and anxiety. This is how exercising can help you to de-stress.
More Endorphins
Endorphins are produced in the brain and are feel-good neurotransmitters which can give people a high when they are released. When you exercise for moderate or long periods of time, more endorphins are produced, acting as a natural painkiller for the body. The benefit of this is that you feel instant relief from lowered stress levels. It doesn’t matter what exercise you decide on doing, the outcome will be the same.
Release Tension
When people are stressed, it usually triggers the fight or flight reaction that has been programmed into our brains since evolution. The problem is that everyday situations don’t allow for or require people to think this way, but the chemicals are still created for it. What this does to the body is leave it feeling stressed and often irritable. By exercising, you are allowing your body a way to respond how it should towards stress and afterwards, you will feel a lot calmer and more relaxed once it is out of your system. It is the reason why a lot of people take up weightlifting as it can release a lot of pent up frustration.
Sleep Better
A lot of the time people will complain about not being able to sleep well due to being stressed. They will spend the night tossing and turning, unable to switch off from all the thoughts running through their mind. The problem with not getting enough sleep is that it can increase your stress levels further and cause fatigue that can make it harder to navigate life. However, exercise can promote better sleep by making your body feel more tired. After a tough workout, you will find that you can easily fall asleep and won’t wake up until the alarm goes off in the morning.
Improves Mood
We’ve already talked about the feel-good hormones that are released when you work out, but exercise can also give a boost in confidence. When people start to see small improvements in their physique or notice that they can lift a heavier weight than before, they will start feeling better about themselves. It is the reason why a lot of people with anxiety take up some form of exercise to help them manage the symptoms. Soon you will find that with the help of exercise your mood will be greatly improved, and you will feel less irritable towards others.
Promotes Socialising
Sometimes stress and anxiety can cause people to hide away from the world. They would rather stay in the comfort of their home than face the outside world and other people, but exercise can help you overcome this. While some people enjoy exercising on their own, others will try working out in groups or attend classes at a gym. Socialising with other people allows you the chance to relax and have fun with others who may be feeling the same as you. There is nothing worse than being stressed and feeling alone. Working out with a friend can also keep you motivated and committed to exercising, which will help keep stress levels down for longer.
Exercising doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, when you find an exercise or activity that you enjoy, it will soon become the favourite part of your day and have you feeling relaxed in no time.
