Exercise is a wonderful thing. It brings a multitude of physical health benefits – and the mental side of things is pretty awesome too! Exercise is a greater mood booster, but how does it help us to relieve and reduce stress?
Exercise can help you sleep better
Stress and not getting enough sleep often go hand in hand. Thankfully, one of the benefits of exercise is that it can help to improve the quality of your sleep. Whatever time of day you decide to exercise, it’s best to try to finish at least one to two hours before you head to bed. A good night’s kip is necessary to wake up feeling rested and in control, and therefore less stressed.
Exercise releases mood-boosting endorphins
Endorphins are the chemicals released by our bodies to naturally reduce pain and boost pleasure, giving you a feeling of well-being. Exercise induces a release of endorphins in the brain which can elevate your mood and leave you with a post-workout glow. A happier head can help you deal with stress and be positive in general.
Challenging yourself through exercise can boost your confidence
Building exercise into your life will leave you with an enhanced sense of self-confidence and self-esteem. As you conquer new skills and achieve new personal bests, you can begin to feel more confident and in control of other parts of your life, relieving stress. If you enjoy running for example signing up to a 5K race might be a good way to set yourself up for a new achievement.
Exercises for mindfulness
Exercise doesn’t have to be intense or leave you gasping for breath. Exercises like yoga encourage participants to take deep, calm breathes and to dismiss other thoughts as you invest all your energy into staying stable and present. This relieves stress by leaving you feeling calmer and more relaxed.
Exercise has a number of other benefits for mental health as well as relieving stress. Read about them here.
