Have you ever been super stressed and gone for a run or went to work out? Did you feel better after? I’ve heard so many people say that physical activity relieves stress but I never really believed it. I found an article that talks about how getting rid of stress is impossible but that there are ways to manage it. In a poll that the ADAA gave they found out that about 14 percent of people manage stress with exercise. They’re already heading down the right path participating in running, yoga, and walking.

Becoming fit and staying healthy are just some of the benefits of physical activity. These examples that the article provides are great, “Studies show that it is very effective at reducing fatigue, improving alertness and concentration, and at enhancing overall cognitive function. This can be especially helpful when stress has depleted your energy or ability to concentrate.” Stress doesn’t only affect your body but your mind as well. When you are constantly stressed you can run into other problems such a depression. When you exercise much of the time your self-esteem improves which is a big psychological win.

Chemicals called endorphins are released when you exercise giving your body a positive feeling and helping you feel energized. During regular physical activity other chemicals are released that help deplete stress hormones so that you can better cope with stress. It also relaxes tense muscles and aches that may be caused by stress. In conclusion stressed is cause by many things in our lives and there’s no escaping it, but we can do things to help manage the stress. Physical activity is a great way to help manage stress and also has many other benefits to you and me.

Sources: http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/stress/physical-activity-reduces-st

http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression

http://www.stress.org.uk/exercise.aspx