Fitness has a lot of physical benefits that draw people to it. They want to get in shape, lose weight, build muscle or tone. While this seems to be the main stars of fitness it is vital to highlight the mental benefits of exercise as well. Movement and exercise in general release natural chemicals in your brain called endorphins that help regulate mood and stress. You might think that you need a beer after a long week of work but your body is probably asking for physical activity instead. Learning ways to manage stress and difficult life situations enhance your health and overall outlook on life. Here are a few of the best stress-reducing activities to try out.
Boxing
Boxing challenges your coordination and mental state just as much as it does your physical body. You will learn how to react quickly, move lightly and build strength. This activity is for anyone interested in self-defense, releasing tension or getting into shape. It is a very rewarding activity since it combines physical and mental aspects. Even just a few rounds on a heavy bag allows you to release stored aggression, tension or emotions. Physically releasing emotions is rewarding and relieving. Learning new skills raises confidence and inspiration. Learning how to physically defend and react makes people calmer because they are more self-aware and capable.
Jogging
Sometimes you just get the urge to run and this is a natural urge to release stress and allows your mind to declutter. While running you might notice yourself mentally focusing on something and sorting through it. Our bodies are designed to move and running is one of the most natural forms of movement. Jogging challenges your mental state and requires determination to overcome fatigue and self-doubt. The results of this are increased self-confidence, endurance, patience, and self-control.
*Pro Tip*- Outdoor exercise has been proven to stimulate happiness and encourage a peaceful state of mind. Spending time in nature, getting fresh air and exposing yourself to sunlight restores the body to a more natural and balanced state of well-being.
Yoga
Deep stretching, twists and unique body movements make yoga very healing and stress-reducing. It purges suppressed emotion and thoughts and allows your body to physically extract them via movement. Yoga reconnects body to mind through movement, concentration, and relaxation. Through yoga, you will learn specific breathing and meditation techniques that propel you to mental clarity and equipt you with skills to combat stressful situations. Strength is built using controlled movement and the weight of your own body. It is a wonderful activity for all types of people including elderly and beginners through to advanced athletes. There are several different types of yoga with some more challenging than others so choose a level that matches your fitness capabilities.
Tai Chi
This ancient practice that dates back to the early 1600s is comprised of slow intentional movements that flow into sequences. Tai Chi regulates mental health and stress by teaching participants to convert internal energy to external energy. By focusing on specific movements and the transfer of energy, you will find yourself in a deeper state of calm and awareness. Exploring this state of awareness teaches how to release current stress and how to handle stressful situations in the future. The slow steady movements of Tai Chi make it very low impact and ideal for the elderly or injured and has been proven to boost cognitive thinking. Participants will notice improved circulation, balance, and alignment as a result of regular practice.
Swimming
This activity is ideal for anyone with joint or muscle pain. It is gentle on the body but also a fantastic aerobic workout. Swimming allows you to feel weightless and this relaxes and soothes the body and mind. Swimming requires a lot of twisting and turning which increases flexibility and stimulates the nervous system. A healthy nervous system leads to improved sleep, greater productivity, higher mental clarity, and reduced stress.
Final Thoughts
The thought of exercising may be daunting to a lot of people. There seems to be this instant mental image of beefed-up bodybuilders and women with perfect abs. This is simply not the case. Exercise comes in all forms and shapes and can be anything from an evening stroll around the neighborhood to a 10-minute jump rope session. While exercising does, in fact, benefit your physical body it also greatly benefits your neurological state and mental health. Try out one of the activities above for a week or two and see how you feel, mentally and physically.
