All forms of exercise, from yoga to pumping iron can provide stress-relieving benefit. Even if you are not an athlete, a little regular activity can take you a long way in helping manage your stress levels.
The following 4 forms of exercise have specific benefits for stress relief.
-
Yoga
Yoga is fantastic for health, wellbeing and flexibility and will also help you get into a relaxed, meditative state of mind. According to Psychology Today, in a national survey, over 85% of people who did yoga reported that it helped them relieve stress.
-
Martial Arts
Martial arts are an effective way to develop self-discipline, become part of a community, release any pent-up tension and frustration and even help you to feel safer, as you will be better equipped to defend yourself in the event of an attack.
-
Swimming
Swimming is a brilliant way to get in shape. Most people find that water is calming and relaxing, so it’s a great way to relive stress at the same time as getting in some exercise.
-
Walking
Walking is something most people can do and is an easy and effective exercise to fit into a busy schedule. You can get off the bus a stop early, have a walk at lunchtime, or put young children in a pushchair and go to the park. It can be a social activity, with others or you can walk alone and think. It can be a great form of moving meditation.
There are lots of other forms of exercise that can also help such as competitive exercise like football, cricket, rugby, tennis and badminton. For it to really work it has to be something that you enjoy doing and want to do regularly!
For more tips on combatting stress through exercise click here
