Stressed? Physical Activity Can Help

Posted on August 28, 2008

One of the huge benefits of regular physical activity is the way it helps us handle stress and other emotional aspects of our lives. We all have things that get us worried or stressed -whether it’s family, work, school, our health, or anything else. Whatever it may be, regular exercise can help.

Here’s what Dr. Stephen Aldana, professor of lifestyle medicine at BYU, had to say in his book The Culprit and the Cure:

“A review of 34 studies showed that sedentary individuals who started engaging in physical activity had a more subdued response to stressful situations; stressful events didn’t upset them as much” (pg 148).

He continued: “Regular physical activity can impact the mental and emotional aspects of life and improve your quality of life. Exercise is like a combination of psychotherapy, physical therapy, and stress management -all concentrated in one 30-minute session” (pg. 148).

I love the mental benefits that regular exercise gives me. On days that I don’t want to workout, but I force myself to, I feel so good after. Not just because my body feels better, but because mentally I feel like I accomplished something. I feel like I have more energy and that my mind is sharper.

If you’re stressed, anxious, or worried about something, try getting more physical activity. Create a habit of getting physical activity on most days of the week. It may help you cope with the situations you face everyday and help you feel a whole lot better.

Guess what? You don’t have to wait until tomorrow to start either. You can start today! Get up and get moving.

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» Filed Under Exercise, Mental Health

Comments

  • http://www.mizfitOnline.com MizFit

    so true.
    the older I get the less it’s about the looks are the moremoremore it’s about the ‘keeping mama mellow’

    MizFit’s last blog post..Link Love: poetry in motion.

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  • http://kipandcarolyn.blogspot.com Carolyn Holderness

    Exercise is a blessing in so many ways. I love to go for a jog when I’m stressed – it’s always helps me to find some relief.

    Carolyn Holderness’s last blog post..Clyde Godfrey Nilsson