When you’re feeling particularly stressed, the last thing you probably want to do is be active, but it’s one of the best remedies for tackling your stress!
Taking part in physical activity helps to increase the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, endorphins which contribute to relieving your stress levels. As well as busting stress, physical activity adds to increasing your overall sense of wellbeing and has multiple health benefits.
6 Stress busting activities to help increase your wellbeing
Yoga
By combining a series of slow movements and held poses with concentrated deep breathing, Yoga is a mind-body exercise known for strengthening the body’s relaxation response and assists in finding your central balance both mentally and physically.
Pilates
Named after its creator Joseph Pilates, Pilates consists of a series of controlled movements devised to strengthen tone and also increase endurance and flexibility. It is an anaerobic exercise rather than aerobic, meaning short duration high intensity activities: great for relieving stress.
Tai Chi
With its roots in martial arts and sharing qualities with Yoga, Tai Chi is known for calming the mind as well as conditioning the body with its flowing, slow-paced body movements. Hand in hand with focused breathing techniques, once learnt this exercise can be practiced anywhere – great for everyday stress busting.
Walking
This one is probably the easiest for most of us to do. It requires no special equipment, no instructor and you can do it just by walking out your door! Research has shown that walking promotes the release of brain chemicals called endorphins that stimulate relaxation and improve our mood. Walking does not even have to be done at a fast pace to have stress-relieving benefits. A stroll at a comfortable pace promotes relaxation, studies indicate.
Martial Arts
Many activities come under the broad umbrella of martial arts including karate, tae kwon do and judo. Whilst actively helping you release tension and energy these exercises contribute to your understanding of self-discipline and self-defence techniques both in a mental and physical way.
Team Sports
Why not organize a pick-up game of football or a tennis match with your friends or family? Not only are you socializing AND exercising, you’re gaining a double dose of endorphin release from participating as part of a team. Adding a sense of competition is also great from motivating and pushing yourself a little harder!
When you feel the pressure is getting to you and your stress levels are rising, take some time out of your schedule to do some stress busting exercises. Get those muscles moving, those heart rates lifting and those endorphins flowing and just feel the tension start to melt away!
If you are in immediate distress or are thinking about hurting yourself, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Be well.
Adapted from the the Stress Management Society
Dr Caroleigh Elliott, Chiropractic and Wellness 