5 stress-relieving activities that make you fit, too
For so many of us, stress is an inevitable part of daily life – so how can we mitigate its negative effects? The answer is simple: Physical activity is a proven stress-buster and an effective way to build overall health.
Regular physical activity stimulates the production of brain chemicals called endorphins, and reduces the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Exercise also improves your sleep, which in turn helps to ease stress.
It’s important to find activities that you enjoy and can commit to in the long term. Ideally, you should spend at least 150 minutes per week, split into blocks of 30 minutes over five days, doing some physical activity. To avoid boredom and monotony, it’s best to alternate your activities.
Here are five activities which you can incorporate into your daily routine to reduce stress:
Cycling
This is a low-impact activity that gives all your major muscles a good workout and does not strain the joints. It builds stamina and coordination, and boosts mental health by reducing stress, anxiety and depression. It can also fit neatly into your day, by incorporating it into your daily commute, for example.
Yoga
The ancient practice of yoga combines physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation to bring your mind and body into balance. It can be done outdoors or indoors, on your own or in a group. There are many kinds of yoga classes out there, but most are aimed at reducing stress levels.
Tai chi
This ancient Chinese martial art benefits the whole body and is said to promote inner peace. Its slow and rhythmic movements are why it is described as ‘meditation in motion’.
Dancing
Dancing of any kind has been found to boost mental health. Studies reveal that dancing can help reduce stress and increase levels of the feel-good brain chemical serotonin. It also benefits patients with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
Tennis
Besides being fun and competitive, tennis boosts stamina, agility and eye/hand coordination. Like other interactive sports, it has been found to have psychological benefits, too, relieving stress, improving alertness and enhancing self-esteem.
