Everyone knows that exercising is one of the best ways to reduce stress.
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, the hormones which fight it, and getting going physically will also assist in getting your mind off of any problems you may be experiencing.
This article outlines the top forms of exercise that will not only provide you with stress relief as you do them, but energise you for other activities as well.
Give Yourself a Hand Up with High-Energy Activities
The benefits of aerobic exercises like running, spinning, roller-skating, and dancing include an increased heart rate.
When your heart rate speeds up, your body starts releasing endorphins, which are natural opiates that get you feeling good with no unpleasant side-effects to deal with.
These kinds of activities will quickly having you feeling better physically and mentally, and you can always reward yourself with a game of pokies for real money in order to get motivated when you first begin!
Feel the Flow with a Yoga Workout
Yoga is one of the best forms of exercise around when it comes to stress-relief. It involves moving and holding a series of poses, known as asanas, and combining these with deep breathing.
It is a mind/body exercise, and will not only bring your body up to pace in terms of fitness, but have you feeling calmer and more in control thanks to the mental benefits it offers as well.
Take Yourself in Hand with Tai chi
Similarly to yoga, tai chi is a series of flowing body movements that work in conjunction with various breathing techniques.
While the movements are rooted in martial arts, they are intended to calm the mind and condition the body, not fight off ninja attackers, and this makes it a great choice for stress relief.
According to recent studies tai chi has the ability to:
- Build bone density
- Lower blood pressure
- Boost your immune system
- Ease the symptoms of conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia
Another great benefit of tai chi is that, once you learn the various movements, you will be able to practice them from anywhere, which makes it a great option for those who travel frequently, for example.
Pick Up the Pace with Pilates
Pilates is a series of controlled movements and mat-based exercises that were named after the man who created them, Joseph Pilates.
They were designed to build your strength, increase your flexibility, and extend your endurance, all of which makes this anaerobic exercise a wonderful way to relieve stress.
The movements also tone your body, which not only has you looking better but feeling better too, and you can practice almost anywhere: a gym, a pilates studio, or at home.
Keep Calm with Kickboxing
Kickboxing is an excellent way to combat stress. It has you punching and kicking in a controlled environment, and, once again, combines a physical workout with mental discipline.
You will get a fantastic workout from a kickboxing class, and will find your balance improved, along with your flexibility and overall coordination.
It is also a great way to work out any frustrations you may be experiencing, and is a safe and healthy way to release anger and energy as you need to.
