Exercise Reduces Stress

Exercise reduces stress in many direct ways:

Muscle relaxation: using your muscles actually relaxes them. Muscle tension is an inherent part of worry, anger and fear, so exercise works on your body in order to relax your brain.

Endorphins: your brain's feel-good chemicals are known as endorphins. People who exercise experience the pleasant high this brings.

Flow: exercise reduces stress by getting you absorbed in the moment and this is a great way to forget frustrations and problems. You concentrate on your body's movements and this energy results in optimism, calmness and clarity.

Mood: regular exercise is known to increase self-confidence and lower the symptoms of mild depression and anxiety.

If you have any concerns about your physical capacity for exercise, check with a health professional, but good sense says to start at a basic level and increase gradually. Over-excitement and over-exertion can lead to injuries.

Your exercise personality

Exercise is an individual thing. If you try to adopt a workout or activity that doesn't suit your personality, you may as well be swimming against the tide.This quiz from the American Institute for Cancer Research will help you determine the best exercise for you.

When you think about physical activity:

1. you can't wait to put on your walking shoes
2. you really want to exercise but need a push
3. you dread the idea of moving a muscle, but are happy once you get moving

When you are physically active, you enjoy exercising:

1. by yourself at your own pace
2. with a team or group
3. with one or two buddies

You exercise because:

1. you want to stay in shape, slim down, or improve your health
2. you want to see your friends and catch up on the latest news
3. the weather is nice or you just feel like it

When you take part in a physical activity, you usually:

1. plan the event ahead of time
2. participate when someone else has set up the activity or attend a class
3. pull it together quickly and do something active when the mood strikes

Others see you as:

1. a leader
2. a team player
3. someone who goes along with a good idea

You enjoy physical activities that are:

1. set by your own routine
2. set by a professional, teacher, or group
3. spontaneous

Scoring – For each answer, score:
1 = 1 point
2 = 2 points
3 = 3 points

If you scored ...

6-9 points: you are a Self-Motivator
You like structure and organization. Creating and following your own exercise plan is fairly easy, but you may find yourself losing interest in your normal routine. Try adding a some new activities like biking, hiking, gardening or rowing. Or try mixing your favorite workouts like walking, swimming, and weights on different days.

10-14 points: you are a Team Player
To you, exercise is a way to socialize and stay connected to friends and family. Group activities and classes are a natural selection for you. Sign up for an exercise class; put together a group of friends for walking; or join a team sport or sports league such as bowling, softball, or doubles tennis.

15-18 points: you are Spontaneous
You love freedom and hate conforming to rigid rules. Things that get you moving might include a call from friends who need an extra player for a round of golf, a hike in the woods to enjoy a beautiful day, or a walk to the store when you are out of milk. These activities are great, but make sure you're doing something active on most days.

References: Mayo Clinic, American Institute for Cancer Research, Washington, D.C.

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