Building an Exercise Routine to Reduce Stress
With the multitude of things going on in our lives, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and stressed. The best way to reduce your stress is through a regular exercise routine. In small doses, stress can boost alertness and performance, as the stress response system releases hormones in response to stressors. However, when these hormone fluctuations become chronic, it can lead to adverse health effects. Regular physical exercise can help balance your stress response system by releasing endorphins that may reduce stress. Here are a few suggestions for both kids and adults to release stress through exercise.
Aerobic exercise is the most effective and beneficial way to decrease stress, as it elevates your heart rate which releases the feel-good neurotransmitters in your brain that make you more resilient. You could do something as simple as taking a brisk walk to the park, going for a swim, biking along the beach, or doing a home workout to get your heart rate up. Make the most out of exercising and make it a family activity! Do whatever you think will make it the most enjoyable and rewarding for you!
Because of its effect on stress, exercise is considered vital for maintaining mental fitness. When stress has depleted your energy and ability to concentrate, physical activity is effective at decreasing fatigue, improving alertness and concentration, and enhancing overall cognitive function. When the brain is negatively affected by stress, so is the rest of the body. Regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, and make you feel energized and healthy which dissipates stress.
An essential part of building the ideal routine is figuring out what works best for you. Getting your kids or family involved could be more time-efficient, as aerobic exercises can easily be a group activity. If you’re a morning person, wake up a little earlier than usual to take a quick jog around the neighborhood before you go into a deep tunnel vision of focus. If you’re feeling fatigued throughout the day, take a quick yoga break in your living room and find time to meditate and refocus your energy. It may seem time-consuming at first, but over time, exercise will be a part of your daily routine and will benefit you more than you know.
Exercise is a key factor in reducing stress, so it’s important for kids and adults alike to incorporate it into their everyday lives. It not only affects your mental health but your physical health as well, as your brain is associated with stress factors. The key to having an effective and regular exercise routine is to take it one day at a time and don’t be afraid to go at your own pace. Just take a deep breath, work through it, and most importantly, have fun with it!