Stress Relief Through Exercise
Posted in Lifestyle by inMotion Life
The day to day realities of modern day life tend to get us all a little tense and stressed at times. One of the best and simplest ways to relieve this stress and restore a bit of balance to your life, is through regular exercise.
Getting a bit of exercise in order to relax might sound a little strange at first, but bear with me. Tests have shown that exercising produces hormones that make us feel good. So it really makes sense to do certain exercises to help you feel better and more relaxed.
Think about it… When you are uptight and anxious, you can’t relax, and you’re likely cranky and stressed out. Finding ways to relax is incredibly important to your well being and will make a huge difference in your life.
One of the best exercises for relaxation is to go out walking – and your choice of walking route is important here. Obviously a walk in the park or by a lake will be more relaxing, as opposed to walking on busy city streets.
Many experts recommend walking with a dog as therapy. Great if you have a dog, but if not, you could volunteer to walk a dog at your local pet shelter. This provides you with a reason to go out walking and your new friend will love your visits.
Walking in the fresh air gives you time to think and reflect on your day. As you walk, concentrate on feeling the breeze on your face, and take in the smells of the trees and plants. Listen to the birds chirping. They will put a smile on your face and make you feel more relaxed almost immediately.
While walking you should concentrate on your breathing, and take a few deep breathes along the way. As your pace increases, try to think of nothing but your walking and the surrounding sounds of nature. This walking meditation method is a proven stress reliever.
Other forms of exercise that can help you feel more relaxed are Yoga, swimming, dancing and even going out for a bike ride. All of these activities put you into different surroundings, which affect your mood in a positive way.
Music is another great way to relax, and taking up a new dance routine is an excellent idea. You could do this at home or by joining a local dance class such as a Zumba class. This will get you mingling with other people, and provides some light recreation after a hectic day. Alternatively, start a new exercise routine and see the difference it makes!
How about you? How do you relieve stress and restore balance to your life? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below.
