by Dolores Moore

Created on: November 14, 2008   Last Updated: November 26, 2008

Stress is part of everyday life. It is one of the ways in which people respond to a challange, and as such, is normal. However, as psychologist Richard Lazarus aptly described it "stress..the experience of situations or environments that tax our resources and endanger well being." Stressors include external events like bereavements or illness; internal include attitudes and emotions. Too little challenge and life would be boring, too much, and life can be threatened by stress.

First, by considering the physiological and psychological impacts of stress, the benefits of exercise for stress reduction will soon emerge. In the 1950's, Dr. Hans Selye identifed the effects of stress on human health. His research discovered that the first response, going back to our ancestors. the cave dwellers, was "fight or flight. " That response results in the release of hormones like adrenaline, a build up of tension in the muscles, abdominal pain, and feelings like alarm, shock and fear. Attempting to cope with stress over the long term can affect the physical, biochemical and psychological functions most negatively. All reasons for reducing stress with exercise.

In the modern world, stress is normally psychological, but the hormones will continue to be produced and to build up if nothing is done to lower them. High levels of adrenaline can lead to anxiety, insomnia and high blood pressure; as the liver releases glycogen, blood sugar and cholesterol increase, threatening the heart. Gastric acid production can lead to damage of the digestive system, with nausea, constipation and ulcers as possible results. Exercise can play a large part in reducing these effects, acting as stress reduction and even elimination.

Movement and exercise will decrease the levels of stress hormones and their effects on the body. It will help reduce muscular tension and help increase a positive mental attitude. If the body feels well, then the mind and emotions respond accordingly. Cardiovascular functions improve, cholesterol levels and blood presssure decrease. These benefitss are easily achieved by having simple forms of exercise incorporated into everyday life. Here are some very basic activities that will assist in stress reduction.

1. WALKING: Totally free and easily accomplished, brisk walking will give a good aerobic work-out, so long as it is brisk and carried out for about 20 minutes each day. It improves the muscles and the cardiovascular system, and being out in the open improves mood.

2. STRETCHING:

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>