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Stress is an everyday fact of modern life and difficult to avoid. It attacks us environmentally through bad weather, pollution, traffic, noise and lockdowns. Stress is present in our schools (bullying), on the job, in our relationships, in our mailbox, in our personal economics, and in illness or loss of loved ones. Another source of stress is physiological, such as the rapid growth of adolescence, menopause in women, sleep disorders, poor nutrition and eating habits, illness and aging. This can result in stress symptoms such as back pain, muscle tension, headaches, upset stomachs, anxiety, even depression. A fourth source of stress comes from our thoughts and how we think about events. Something as simple as noticing someone’s facial expression or body language can set off a complex change in your body’s chemistry that turns on your stress response, perhaps causing you instant anxiety.
Perceived Threats
Chronic stress is caused by an accumulation of small stressors. Your mind is constantly defending against some perceived threat. If your body remains in a heightened state of arousal, your chances of getting a stress-related disease may be increasing.
Immune Systems
People suffering from stress-related disorders are prone to muscle tension and fatigue, which are known causes of hypertension (high blood pressure), migraine headaches, ulcers, chronic diarrhea, even reproductive problems in both men and women They may even be a factor in the onset of adult diabetes and arthritis. Stress is also a known inhibitor of the immune and inflammatory systems, making you more susceptible to colds and flu, and even cancer.
Exercise Stress Away
Exercise is one of the easiest, cheapest and most effective methods of stress management. Any form of exercise can counter-attack your body’s natural stress response. All that is necessary is to return your body back to its normal balance and equilibrium by activating endorphins into your blood stream and releasing the natural chemicals and toxins that build up during the stress response.
Good for the Brain
Exercise also increases alpha-wave activity in your brain, allowing you to clear your mind and focus more easily. It also improves blood flow, bringing oxygen to the brain and other organs, strengthens your heart and lungs, thus improving your overall health and physical fitness, improves your posture, flexibility, muscle and spinal stiffness. It also lessens fatigue and improves your overall energy level.
Lose Weight
Regular exercise is also an easy way to lose weight and combat sleeping problems. It helps your self-esteem by making you realize that you can change your attitude and shed that negative self-image caused by stress.
Reduce Medical Problems
Exercise reduces the risk of stress-related medical conditions. Almost anyone who is generally inactive can improve their health and well-being by becoming active at a moderate intensity on a regular basis (Centers for Disease Control).
The Program
A balanced exercise program should include aerobic/cardiovascular stretching/flexibility and toning/strengthening for at least 30 minutes or more onmost days of the week.
Aerobic exercises don’t need to be complicated. The goal is to strengthen your cardiovascular system and to gradually increase your stamina. Simple aerobic exercises include jogging, brisk walking, swimming, bicycling and dancing. Stretching and toning are also pretty simple. An effective stretch should be held for 30 seconds before stretching the next muscle area. Toning can be as simple as doing squats, sit-ups and push-ups and the use of small weights.
Make it Fun
Keep a diary of your exercise program and make it fun, because you will be doing yourself a lot of good.
Always check with your doctor, if you are in doubt, before starting an exercise program, especially if you are overweight, over 40 years of age or have health problems. Also, consult your doctor if you experience any pain, nausea or dizziness.
This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you toward improving your life.
Review our Knowledge Base or the links displayed on this page for similar and related topics.