Are We Having Fun Yet? Stress and Exercise
Like taxes- stress is a part of everyone’s life. The “experts” tell us that some stress is good because without it there would be no motivation to do anything! However- if you are like me- serious Contd...
For most of us- stress is low-level most of the time. Our daily tasks and relationships give us a bit of stress but not major anxiety. The body’s response to low-level stressors is designed to motivate us to action with a slightly raised heart rate and increased mental clarity –similar to the response to caffeine.
In times where stress levels go higher- the responses are what many people call the “fight or flight” response. The body sends blood to the extremities to get ready for action! These responses are normal and good for you – except when the stress levels remain high for a long time. When the body perpetually stays in a stressed state- the systems begin to break down. Think of it like a car engine where the throttle is stuck and the engine is constantly “revved up”. Not only will it consume A LOT of gasoline- but the mechanical parts will wear out faster.
So what to do to protect ourselves from this? RELAX of course….and EXERCISE. Exercise helps us relax both physiologically and- if it’s enjoyable- provides a mental escape from the stressor. The physiological effects of exercise include release of morphine-like chemicals (which include beta-endorphins) that give us a sense of well being. Have you ever heard the term Runner’s High? This is caused by the release of “endorphins” into the blood. Since these chemicals stay in the blood for several hours after stopping the activity- the “feel good” feeling remains for a while.
Health Fitness
Are We Having Fun Yet? Stress and Exercise
Exercises For Busy Moms: 4 Quick, But Effective Exercises To Keep Busy Moms Strong
We all know how difficult it is to stay in shape and find time to exercise - but most especially for women with babies or small kids. There’s the sleep-deprivation factor- no time and priority chang...
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With the exception – probably the only one – of pearl gatherers- who dive without any autonomous equipment- breathing counts in all sports – as well as in fitness. Each sport branch has imposed its...
Exercises For Busy Moms: 4 Quick, But Effective Exercises To Keep Busy Moms Strong
We all know how difficult it is to stay in shape and find time to exercise - but most especially for women with babies or small kids. There’s the sleep-deprivation factor- no time and priority chang...
Breathing – an Important Factor in Fitness
With the exception – probably the only one – of pearl gatherers- who dive without any autonomous equipment- breathing counts in all sports – as well as in fitness. Each sport branch has imposed its...
Here’s some from the top of my head:
Using a daily dose of natural “feel good” chemicals is better than drugs or alcohol!!
Looking fit- healthy and strong (It’s ok to admit that looking good makes you feel good!)
Feeling good from accomplishment and improvement.
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Keeping the body systems prepared to handle high-level stress.
The key to lowering stress with exercise is that you ENJOY the exercise that you choose to do. If you hate going to the gym- it’s not going to lower your stress – in fact it probably will add some! Also- studies are showing over and over that even low intensity exercise helps anxiety- so any activity you enjoy is good. For me- when I am under stress- nothing works better than a good sweaty dance session. The music- movement and high heart rate just melt away my troubles. Some of my clients even tell me that the sense of achievement from competitive sports makes them feel less stressed!
The bottom line? To decrease the effects stress on your body- pick a fitness or sports activity you enjoy- do it regularly and HAVE FUN.
Safety Tips For Joggers
A frequent error that joggers or runners make is that they become so preoccupied in their physical activity that they fail to be alert and pay attention to their surroundings. The following are a ser...
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...
Body image is a topic that usually makes one think of teenaged girls starving themselves thin. But most people- no matter how old or young- have a feeling or image of the way their body should look...
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A frequent error that joggers or runners make is that they become so preoccupied in their physical activity that they fail to be alert and pay attention to their surroundings. The following are a ser...
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...
Body image is a topic that usually makes one think of teenaged girls starving themselves thin. But most people- no matter how old or young- have a feeling or image of the way their body should look...
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“Holistic Health News- Remedies for Anxiety” http://www.holistic-online.com/remedies/anxiety/anx_exercise.htm
“Managing Stress with Regular Exercise”- http://www.dukemednews.org/news/article.php?id=8484
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