Children are natural bundles of energy. They require lots of exercise to help develop their growing bodies. Exercise sharpens their minds and burns off the excess energy. When children return from recess they are able to be focused and listen actively in their classroom. Just because we graduate high school and get a job doesn’t mean we out grow the need for recess. We certainly don’t outgrow the need for physical activity, instead just seem to run out of time for it.
While it is wise to consult your physician before diving into a tough exercise regiment, exercise is beneficial to the body, spirit and the mind. If you haven’t exercised in years, take it slow and easy – and remember – physical activity should be fun – not hateful.
What Does Stress Do To You?
Your physical response to stress is the major issue. People like to blame events; it’s not just the events – it’s your biology. When you are stressed, your body mobilizes for physical action. Constantly being on the verge of action without actually taking action is what chronic stress does to you. It is as detrimental to your physical well being as ingesting carcinogens daily.
Signs of Stress Include:
- Fatigue
- Sleep Problems
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Colds
- Infections
- Increased Weight
- High Blood Pressure
- Compulsive Eating
- Back and Neck Pain
What Does Exercise Do To Your Stress?
It helps you relax tense muscles, sleep well and releases adrenaline, dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. Your physical well being is improved by exercise. Regular exercise can also help to reduce depression, relieve anxiety and improve self-esteem. It’s not just about exercising to improve your six-pack, but to also spend the action potential that can harm you physically if you don’t.
Cardiovascular exercise strengthens the heart’s ability to pump blood through your body and improves the ability of your lungs to bring oxygen. Regular cardiovascular exercise also helps to lower your blood pressure and your cholesterol levels. This can help prevent weight-related health conditions such as diabetes.
Physical exercise is essential to reduce stress. So what is defined as regular exercise? 30 minutes, three times a week – that’s 90 minutes a week – that’s little more than the length of 2 Primetime television shows without their commercials. It will relax the body and decrease anxiety.
So What Should You Be Doing?
Whether you find repetitive exercises boring or not – you should mix it up. Use long walks along with traditional strength training along with mind/body workouts like Yoga and Pilates. The important facet of all exercise is to do it and release the negative energy that stress produces in the body. Ideally, exercise should be fun for the individual participating in it so that they feel a sense of enjoyment and continue to engage in the activity regularly.
Some people prefer exercises where they are actively engaged in social activity as well, sports such as racquetball, tennis and dancing are good for them. Exercise should be unique to the individual. Find an activity or combination of activities you enjoy and participate in it regularly.
Then get to it.
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