Exercise Important In Shrinking Your Stress

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Exercise Important In Shrinking Your Stress

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/101792.php

Though causes of stress can be plentiful, there are multiple ways to

combat stressors and the negative toll they can take on the body,

says an expert at the American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM)

12th-annual Health & Fitness Summit & Exposition.

Geithner, Ph.D., and an ACSM-certified health/fitness

instructor, says people experience stress in different ways,

depending on the severity and duration of the stressor. Stress can

have a positive impact in that it can motivate as well as help

maintain focus and alertness. On the down side, stress may result in

feelings of being overwhelmed or out of balance, and can cause

anxiety and depression.

Geithner says that stress can have numerous disruptive effects on the

body - not just the mind - including fatigue, headaches, stomach

upset, sleep problems, backaches, changes in appetite, increased

cortisol secretion (the so-called " stress hormone " ), changes in

weight (loss or gain), increased resting heart rate and respiratory

rate, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, muscle tension,

sweaty palms, and cold hands and feet.

" Stress is a common problem in today's society, largely because

increased pressure to perform on the job has created work/life

imbalances, " Geithner said. " Other major stressors include death of a

spouse or family member, divorce, marriage, and personal injury or

illness. " She also cited job demands, a move or change in a work or

living situation, relationship issues or arguments, financial issues,

and holidays as possible causes of stress.

Many methods of stress reduction exist, including breathing,

meditation, progressive relaxation, and exercise. All tend to reduce

anxiety, depression, heart rate and blood pressure, and enhance a

feeling of relaxation and wellbeing.

" Exercise serves as a distraction from the stressor, and results in

reduced muscle tension and cortisol secretion, " Geithner said. " The

additional benefit of exercise is that when done alone or used in

combination with other stress reduction methods, it also improves

physical fitness and has the potential for more profound effects on

chronic disease risk reduction than other stress reduction

strategies. "

As part of a stress management routine, Geithner suggests eating a

healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, practicing breathing exercises,

and including aerobic as well as mind/body exercise such as yoga,

t'ai chi, or pilates.

" Make time for activities and people you enjoy on a regular basis,

and laugh often, " she said. " Try to accept that you can't control

everything in your life. Make choices that support your well-being

and reduce your stress, rather than add to it. "