We all can experience stress or anxiety of varying degrees in our life time. A lot of us lead such busy lives, me included, which leaves little time to relax.
Today I am talking about how exercise can help with stress, anxiety and depression.  I do not say it will cure it, but it can help to improve the severity.

Exercise is vital for maintaining mental fitness and it can reduce stress. It is very effective at reducing fatigue, improving alertness and concentration, this is great when stress has depleted your energy or ability to concentrate. Exercise produces endorphins, the chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and improve our overall feeling of well being. Aerobic exercise in particular has been proven to decrease overall levels of tension, improve sleep and improve self-esteem. Even five minutes of aerobic exercise can stimulate anti-anxiety effects.  I know recently after doing one of my dance classes and my Saturday morning BodyFit Fusion class i have felt so much better and fired up and ready for the day ahead.

Also Yoga in particular is great for releasing tension. In recent weeks when i have felt tense before our class, I am still amazed  how good i feel after class.  The exercise, stretches and breathing, completely relax your body and mind. I hear time and time again from my ladies how good they feel and how improved their sleep is after a yoga class.

If you have already got a good exercise program, that is great, if not and you feel particularly stressed, then perhaps its time to start one?  Find a form of exercise you enjoy. More extrovert people tend to prefer group or class activities, whilst more introverted solo pursuits.  It is really about the frequency of the exercise, and this can be easier if you come to a class or have an exercise buddy to encourage you.

I try to make all of my classes fun and friendly and a place to take time out.  The music is also an important part of the class as music can be so inspiring and uplifting, hopefully leaving you on a high when you leave my class…..

Bev xx