You can feel stressed due to several reasons. Financial problems, relationship issues, demise of a loved one, and work pressure are some of the most common reasons behind stress. Chronic stress can lead to the development of some serious mental and physical problems. Not having control over your stress levels will certainly have a negative effect on your quality of life. Although stress and tension are not completely avoidable, they are manageable. Exercise is one of the most efficient ways of dealing with stress.
Exercise lowers emotional stress and develops a feeling of well-being. The best mental health benefit of exercise is that it encourages the release of endorphins, which are the chemical compounds that make you feel happy and relaxed. It is also known to boost self-confidence and self-esteem. Exercise lowers the amount of cortisol, which is the chemical that is responsible for causing stress. Going for a short walk, practicing yoga, and doing Tai Chi are few of the best exercises to minimize stress.
Walking
Walking is recommended even for those people who are not under too much stress. It is fun, free and very beneficial for your overall health. Going for a walk with friends can help you to forget about your worries. Besides helping to bring down stress levels, walking also improves blood circulation, increases capacity of your lungs, strengthens muscles and bones, increases stamina and endurance, reduces blood pressure, and lowers the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
If you can’t manage enough time to go for a walk, develop a habit of taking stairs more often and avoid elevator or escalator. It is also recommended to walk or cycle your way through for short distance rather than using a car. The perfect time to go for a walk is early in the morning. Morning walk will keep you fresh, energetic and in a good mood throughout the day.
Yoga Exercises
Yoga significantly lowers stress levels, increases flexibility and boosts blood circulation. The combination of breathing exercises, mediation, physical movements and stretching is what makes yoga so powerful against stress. Performing yoga in the morning can help you to feel fresh, calm, and energetic throughout the day.
Deep breathing exercises are among the best relaxation techniques. Breathing deeply through your belly oxygenates the muscles and eases stress and tension. The best thing about breathing exercise is that you can perform it anytime you feel stressed. Meditation is also a good way of improving your mental state. It allows you to remain calm and focus on positive things.
Tai Chi
Tai chi improves breathing, mental concentration and movements. This form of martial arts not only increases strength, but also helps to reduce anxiety. Controlled deep breathing and slow movements involved in Tai chi encourage physical relaxation and also allow the body to get rid of stress toxins. Tai chi is known to lower anxiety levels by reducing the production of cortisol.
Although tai chi involves gentle and easy moves, it requires you to focus on maintaining the coordination between the moments of your upper and lower body. It also needs you to focus on your breathing. You get so absorbed in Tai chi that you forget all your tensions and worries.