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Stress is an inescapable part of life. It is your mind’s natural response that reacts to challenges that you face, and can often be a driving factor to how you solve issues. However, it’s also important for you to manage the level of stress so that you do not get too mentally fatigued.
Today we will be exploring more into the physicalities of exercise and its correlation to our mental relief, so that you too, can learn to properly release pressure through a good helping of exercise!
How Does Exercise Help With De-Stressing?
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Healthy body, healthy mind. I’m sure many of us have heard and experienced the relief of a good workout, so here are the 3 main reasons why you should start today!
Mood Improvement
Exercising produces more “happiness hormones” called endorphins. While they are also produced while you are stressed or in pain, they can also be simulated by working out your body. Endorphins are then circulated through your brain to give you a quick relief to your mood.
Redirection of focus
A good workout can also feel like meditation in motion. When the exercise forces the mind to focus on the body’s movements, it can feel like a healthier distraction from your daily worries.
Adapting to Stress
Intense exercising can often be associated to mimic the effects of a flight or fight response. Getting used to such effects in a controlled environment will allow the body and its systems to become more disciplined, and work through stress more efficiently.
How Should I Start With Exercising?
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1) Start simple.
You should understand the limitations of your body before moving onto tougher workouts. Walk before you run, and pick up the pace when you feel like you are ready to take on the next step.
2) Pick an activity that you enjoy.
It can be something as simple as cycling, or taking a walk with your dog. Enjoying the process can play a huge role in motivating you to continue exercising in the long term.
3) Fit your exercise plans into your schedule.
Try to integrate your workouts into your daily routine. Allow yourself to internalize the need to move your body throughout the week, so it never feels like a chore on your to-do list.
4) Seek a friend to workout with.
Exercise becomes more enjoyable with the company of an individual working towards the same purpose. A co-worker or family member also works!
Having a companion will bring you a new level of motivation and commitment to your workouts.
5) Setting a personal goal.
Decide on a short-term or long-term purpose for your routine. Whether you decide to opt for gentler workouts like yoga, or exercise in short bursts in between study sessions, you are always the beneficiary of your own efforts.
Temper your expectations according to how active you are in your workouts, so you can see the results that you have set out to achieve.
A Call to Action Towards a Healthier Mind
Whether you are a student, a fresh graduate, or a parent, stress will always be a part and parcel of our lives. Exercising is a good form of that invisible mental relief, but it is just one of many ways to declutter your turbulent headspace.
It may not always be obvious, but it is always good to take preventive measures to de-escalate bad feelings before they manifest negatively around you. Because how can we expect to tackle life’s challenges, if we are not even giving ourselves the chance to de-stress and recharge?
When the going gets tough, unwind your daily tensions through movement. Give yourself a sense of control over your own life by finding time for yourself in any way.
To read more about this topic, check out a few of our related articles below.
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