Have you ever attempted going to sleep after a long day only to find yourself staring at the ceiling? Exercise can help you sleep better and smile more by reducing stress. Keep reading to find out how.
Fight or Flight - When you encounter a stressful situation, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode. Hormones such as adrenaline start to flow and the most primitive part of your brain is deciding whether to make a break for it (which requires a lot of energy) or channel your inner karate kid (also a lot of energy). However, we rarely encounter situations where we actually have to fight or run. It is more likely that the stressful situation is finding a document for your boss that you haven’t seen in months. Despite not being in real danger, your body provides the chemicals and they will linger in your system. Exercise is a great way to release these chemicals.
Endorphins - You have probably heard that exercise increases endorphins, which enhances your mood. This can help with mild depression and increases your overall sense of well-being. Some exercises such as cycling and running create a rhythm which soothes the body. When you focus on exercising, it becomes difficult to focus on the stressful situations that took place during the day. This can help you remain calm and ready to take on the day.
Improved Sleep - It’s hard to have sleep issues after a hard workout. Your body is ready to recharge and your sleeping will become more regular (i.e.: you will sleep like a rock). A good night of sleep will help you keep your energy levels up and increase your productivity throughout the day. This creates a positive cycle where you get more work done and have less to stress about.
Increased Self-Confidence - As your health improves and your body changes for the better, your self-confidence will likely increase. This is a common source of anxiety for many people. When you have less to worry about, you have less to stress about.
All in all, exercise is good for your body and your mind. St. Thomas Aquinas wrote: “Exercise is play and recreation; when your body is busy, your mind will be distracted from the worries of daily life and will be free to think creatively.” Exercising 30min a day will help reduce stress and make life more fun. Remember to start slow and slowly increase the intensity as you get stronger.
Kia Edwards is a certified personal trainer and nutrition specialist who lives in New York City. She studied French and Economics at Colgate University, spent 15 years as a high-level competitive gymnast and 6 years as a gymnastics coach. Her business, La Fortesse At Home Fitness Training, helps clients get healthy with simple at home exercises and nutrition counseling. www.LaFortesse.com