Stress is something that we all encounter in daily life, and it can be difficult to avoid stressful situations. However, what’s important is knowing how to manage and relieve stress. One of the best ways to do this is to stay active and exercise consistently. Here are some of the best exercises to help manage your stress levels.
Walking
Going on a walk is an effective way to manage stress and anxiety. It allows you to physically remove yourself from people and situations that may be causing you stress and clear your head for a moment. Brisk walking is also an effective form of physical activity, which helps regulate mood and relieve stress. You can even turn your walk into a meditation opportunity by focusing on your various senses and the sensations around you.
Go to the Gym
If you have a membership to a local gym or access to a fitness center, you can find several different pieces of exercise equipment to try out. Using any type of weight machine, hand weights, or treadmills can help you stay active and promote dopamine release in the brain. This feel-good chemical can help reduce stress and anxiety. While any type of exercise can produce dopamine, there are many workout options to choose from at the gym, and you’re sure to find one that fits your style.
Jump-Roping
What do you do when you come home after a long, stressful day of work? The last thing you might want to do is change and head back out the door for a run or trip to the gym. Instead, try a low-stress exercise you can do at home with one piece of equipment: jump-roping. There are many physical and mental health benefits of jump-roping, including stress relief and reduced anxiety. This exercise is highly accessible and provides a simple and easy way to get your body moving even when you’re tired.
Bottom Line: All Exercises Count
One of the best things about exercising is that it helps decrease stress. Simply moving your body at a moderate pace for five minutes is enough to have mood-boosting effects. Any physical activity can help you cope with stress and balance your mood. Because all exercises are valid for stress relief, choose the ones you enjoy most and create an exercise plan that fits you best.
While all types of physical activity can help you relieve stress, the above examples are some of the best exercises to start with, especially if you’re new to working out.
