There are many types of stress, but those which affect people the most and affect us in a negative way typically are connected with, money, work, family life and relationships.  Exercise alone cannot prevent stress, however exercise and physical activity has been scientifically proven to help manage stress. Here are some ways exercise can really help manage your stress levels…

  1. When you exercise, you release ‘feel good’ hormones, such as serotonin and endorphins which help you feel more positive and in control.  Cortisol which is the stress hormone, and which can prevent weight loss, is reduced during exercise too.
  2. Exercise can provide a distraction from worries and stress.  An hour out to one of my classes can clear your mind and help improve how you cope with issues that may be worrying you.
  3. Exercise and in particular, dance exercise, can improve brain and memory function and reduces fatigue. The fact you are memorizing dance steps and reproducing them improves your cognitive function so much
  4. A regular exercise routine is likely to encourage a better sleep pattern and allows you to enjoy a deeper sleep. Sleep is so important and particularly when you are stressed.
  5. If you join an exercise group such as mine, you can meet a new circle of friends with the same interests and ambitions as you. This can only boost your feeling of well being and confidence too.
  6. Stress can cause a variety of physical symptoms too, such as muscle tension and headaches. Regular activity and stretching as we do in our yoga class can help reduce this muscular tension and in turn can help the associated feelings of stress decrease too.
  7. Lastly but not least, regular exercise can help improve confidence, through perhaps achieving goals, improving your self-image or increasing your feeling of vitality and energy.

Never underestimate the power of exercise…. it is not just about keeping physically fit.  It is also about keeping your mind healthy too.

Bev

www.feelgoodwithbevfitness.com