Physical Exercise Reduces Stress by Dr. Marvin
©
Exercise provides many stress related benefits. Chemicals and
neurotransmitters in our brain become stimulated during exercise,
allowing our emotions to mediate. Examples of how you might benefit
from physical exercise include:
- Decreased anxiety. Relaxation can be proven from measuring
electrical activity of muscles. Some enjoy the so-called "endorphin
high" euphoric relaxation response that occurs for up to two hours
following exercise. Tension seems to magically disappear as you
burn off adrenalin.
- Keeping physically active and in shape to enjoy hobbies can
serve as a catalyst for positive self-esteem.
- People who exercise regulary also tend to eat nutritionally.
Good nutrition buffers stress.
Health risks to people not inclined to exercise include
cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. Psychological
"injury" occurs in the form of low self-worth.
Exercise can be active or passive. Aerobic activity is an
example of active exercise. Exercising 20 minutes a day a few times
each week can bring significant psychological benefits.
Recreational sports can be a great stress-buster. However, if you
are the sort of "ultra hard on myself" competitor who throws golf
clubs in the pond, such behavior does not produce positive results.
(Read my article on meltdowns in sports.) Passive exercises
such as yoga and stretching can be highly relaxing.
Don't forget your family members! If you have a child,
what do you do to encourage physical activity?
Many kids in our country are in poor physical condition.
According to the Nat'l Centers for Disease Control &
Prevention, there has been a 20% increase of overweight teens over
the past decade. At least one-third of adults are overweight! The
U.S. Surgeon General's Office reported that, from the age of 6 to
18, boys decrease activity by 24% and girls by 36%!
Why? The reasons include fixation with computer games and TV;
lack of emotional support in coping with competitive athletics;
academic demands; parents not signing up kids for sports camps;
parents are too busy with work and everday hassels; and parental
failure to instill an exercise expectation. Many gym classes have
students just standing around over 90% of the class period! Sports
psychologists are attempting to reverse this sedentary trend by
structuring exercise programs in schools and recreational centers
to make them more fun and a regular part of the day.
Participation in organized sports benefits physical ability as
well as self-esteem and motivation. Participants in sports also
tend to have higher grades, behave better in class, drop out less,
and have fewer unexcused absences. Kids underestimating their
abilities tend to be less motivated and have more anxiety than kids
who accurately estimate their skills. With the support of parents
and coaches, kids can learn how to communicate, interact, and stay
focused --skills that boost confidence in all areas of living.
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