Were you aware that yesterday (1st November) was National Stress Awareness
Day?

It’s ok if you weren’t. (Don’t stress about it!) But it means that today I can
put some thoughts your way about how exercise can help with stress.

Most people who exercise on a regular basis would say they are doing it
mainly to help with their physical fitness/appearance, but they will also be
benefitting their psychological well-being – even if they are unaware of the
value they are deriving from it.

Studies have shown that almost any type of exercise has the capability to
relieve stress and the feedback I receive from clients confirms that it has
this effect, even if the original objective of the exercise was simply to
improve body strength or cardiovascular health.

As a personal trainer I know that the exercises that I prescribe will have a positive effect on both body and mind. Training sessions put you under physical pressure which emulates the symptoms of stress and therefore helps your body get used to dealing with stressful situations (almost like “practising” the scenario where you need to react to a physical threat). This reduces the negative impact of stress when it raises its ugly head in your normal day-to-day life.

Adrenaline and cortisol, the body’s stress hormones, are reduced by
exercise. And we’ve all heard about ‘Endorphins’, which are produced in the
brain and block the perception of pain and increase feelings of wellbeing as
a direct result of physical activity. So, basically, most people feel great
after a spot of exercise! How many of you have turned up to a session in a grump…and left with a smile!?

Following a period of exercise it is quite normal to feel that you have been
in a “world of your own” focusing on the activity rather than the cares of
the day… and this in itself can be a stress reliever. Regular exercise
has been known to help enormously in improving your mood and help you relax
and unwind. Which, as you would expect, can result in improved sleep –
another component of your stress management plan.

Stress management is key to sustained wellbeing. And being active can go a
long way to helping you handle your stress levels by building emotional
strength and putting you in control of your mental situation.

Acknowledgements and research
www.mayoclinic.org
www.nhs.uk/mental-health
www.health.harvard.edu