How to Exercise to Relieve Stress

Medical studies have proven the benefits of exercise in relieving stress. It is the time that we least feel like working out when exercise will be most beneficial. Physical exercise helps relax the body and calm the mind. Spend time daily exercising to receive the most benefit and stress relief.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• 20 minutes daily

1. Schedule time for work outs. Set aside a minimum of 20 minutes, shooting for 1 hour.
2. Make exercise a priority. Never double book the calendar during your exercise time. Once in a routine, it will be easier to stick to the schedule.
3. Take a brisk walk after sitting in heavy traffic. Stretch the neck and back muscles to relieve muscular tension.
4. Do a 10-minute warm up and then lift weights. Stretch after each weight training session.
5. Sign up for a T'ai Chi class. Learn to focus your bodies energy and begin to feel youthful and more energetic.
6. Join a yoga class. Through stretching and strength exercises, yoga relieves tension and stress.
7. Get a good cardio workout. Wear a heart rate monitor to achieve the maximum benefit.

Tips & Warnings

• It is not necessary to have a gym membership or fancy at home equipment. A good jog will do wonders for stress levels.
• Stretch before and after working out to avoid injury and further release stress.
• Take a deep breath when you feel stress at its peak. Count to ten and release. Get up and take a brief walk.