Thursday, January 17, 2008

Enjoying Exercise for Stress Relief

Stress is an everyday challenge faced by millions of people all around the globe. There are just so many causes of stress today, aren't there? We worry about our work; about our finances; about our family and partners; often our friends cause us grief. Yes, so many of us suffer from stress, but how many think of using exercise for stress relief?

Certainly, medication and a visit to your doctor can help - in fact if stress is overwhelming this should be a priority! - but before things get that bad, consider the stress relief that comes from exercise. It's well known in the medical profession that exercise for stress relief calms both body and mind, and can help bring all kind of daily worries into perspective.


Examples of exercise for stress Relief

Probably the most effective exercise for stress relief is Yoga. This is because it calms the mind and body by centering all energy on relaxation, which in turn helps us be at peace or 'in tune with' our surroundings. This is good in itself, but this sensation of peace and tranquility can pervade our lives for hours after the stress relief exercise session.

However, some people find the 'slowing down' aspect of Yoga difficult, so for them a more suitable stress relief exercise may be Aerobics. This is a more up-beat exercise that stimulates the flow of endorphins, i.e. chemicals which bring about feelings of happiness and security - and they are 100% good for us! Ridding ourselves of stored-up energy by performing aerobic exercise is something that will bring stress relief very quickly.

More Tips for stress Relief exercise

If you choose Yoga as a stress relief exercise but you feel daunted by the time and endurance required, why not try a few easier moves that anyone can do everyday? These will keep your stress in check!

The first involves breathing. Ideally it should be done lying flat on your back, but it can be done seated or standing:

* Ensure that your arms are straight against your sides and you're facing straight ahead.

* Close your eyes and breathe in slowly and deeply through the nose for five seconds.

* Now breath out through the mouth for five seconds.

* Do this twenty times, resisting any urge to speed up.

* Concentrate on clearing everything from your mind by focusing on your breath.

Another Yoga exercise for stress relief can be performed before or after the breathing exercise, and this one is a little more energetic. Lower yourself on your hands and knees, head facing down. Now lift your right leg and bring your knee in toward your face.

As the knee comes forward, exhale slowly. Next, push your right leg back until it is behind your body, and breath in slowly while doing this. When your leg is suspended in mid-air behind your trunk, hold it for three seconds along with your breath. Do this ten times with each leg.

There are, of course, many forms of exercise for stress relief and this article has only given you a tiny sample. If the thought of exercise puts you off, why not try it anyway - just to see if it works? When you begin to reap the benefits and feel more calm, centered and relaxed, and when you become aware of your increased energy and enthusiasm, you'll be more than happy to make exercise for stress relief a part of your daily life.

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