Reducing Stress - Exercise

Yesterday, I shared some information about the symptoms and causes of stress, as well as steps to dealing with stress. This information came from the PTSD support group I attended at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) here in London. I'd like to continue the conversation today with additional steps we can take within our lives to minimize the stress we feel.

This information also comes in part from the PTSD group. 

Lifestyle changes are the number one way we can start to de-stress our lives. "A healthy lifestyle is an essential companion to any stress management program and is extrenely important for many reasons. Lifestyle changes can have a dramatic impact on daily stressors while the other strategies are more personalized for individual needs."

Exercise - exercise is an effective distraction from stressful events - ever notice when your busy being active you're not thinking about what is going on in your world that is stressing you out? There's no time for it is there? Keeping ourselves active, and involved, is a good distraction from the everyday stresses of life. Exercise is also known to help lower blood pressure which is good for a stressed heart.

"Usually, a varied exercise regime is more interesting and thus easier to stick to. Start slowly. Strenuous exercise in people who are not used to it can be very dangerous and any exercise program should be discussed with a physician. In addition. half of all people who begin a rigorous training regime drop out within a year. The key is to find activities that are exciting, challenging and satisfying. The following are some suggestions:

• sign up for aerobics classes at the gym
  
• brisk walking is an excellent aerobic exercise that is free and available to nearly anyone
  
• even short brisk walks ca relieve bouts of stress
  
• swimming is an ideal exercise for many stressed people, including pregnant women, individuals with musculoskeletal problems, and those who suffer exercise induced asthma
  
• Yoga or Tai Chi can be very effective, combining many of the benefits of breathing relaxation, and meditation while toning and stretching the muscles. The benefits of yoga may be considerable. Numerous studies have found it beneficial for many conditions in which stress is an important factor such as anxiety, headaches, high blood pressure, and asthma. It also elevates mood and improves concentration and the ability to focus.

Start small. Just 10 minutes of exercise three times a week can build a good base for novices. Gradually build up the length of these every-other-day sessions to 30 minutes or more."