An Easy Way to Beat Stress

One of the easiest ways to relieve stress is also one of the least expensive, and one of the most fun!

May/June 2007
By Lynn Keiley 
Jogging
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Sometimes a solution can be as close as the nearest jogging (or biking, walking or rollerblading) path.
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In addition to being more physically fit, people who exercise regularly tend to be happier and less stressed than people who don't.

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Exercising just 30 minutes several times a week can reduce general anxiety and stress, and can even be an effective treatment for depression. A recent study conducted at the University of Colorado found that physical activity also could prevent stress to the immune system, lowering your risk for some bacterial and viral infections. Most notably, studies show that those who exercise have a more positive outlook on the world.

Fortunately, you don't need a lengthy workout to get in better shape and brighten your perspective on life. For those new to exercise, even as little as 10 minutes a day has been shown to relieve stress and promote a general sense of well-being.

Although many activities successfully ease stress, studies suggest the most effective exercises are rhythmic activities that work the major muscle groups and are performed at moderate or low intensity, such as jogging, swimming, cycling and walking. Research has also shown that mentally stimulating forms of exercise, such as martial arts, trigger positive mood changes, especially as a participant's skill level improves.

Consistent exercise is the most beneficial, so choose an activity you already enjoy and find time to do it regularly.

Do you have a favorite activity that helps you blow off steam and stay in shape? Share your insight by posting a comment below.

Click here to read more about the mental benefits of exercise.

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Comments

  • Nena Gay 6/7/2007 12:00:00 AM

    For me having a dog and other pets beats stress in the best way.
    The companionship and joy is a huge stress-beater, and the exercise
    is fantastic! Great walks, wonderful exploring trails and other
    sites together. That combined with gardening, lifting light
    weights, yoga, stretching, drinking lots of water, and the
    immediate stress-beater: taking long, deep breaths
    regularly.

  • Jessica Butler 6/4/2007 12:00:00 AM

    *sigh* I miss having acreage of land to mow...I like hiking,
    swimming, or just plain going for a walk. Exercise is a mandate for
    me, I'm training for the fire department; there are times when I
    downright hate it, but invariably I feel great afterwards. Maybe
    completely pooped, but I feel good about and within myself. Diet is
    also another HUGE way to mitigate stress. Avoid high-fat,
    high-salt, high-sugar foods, eat fresh fruits and veggies, and lean
    meats, fish, and poultry (if you're not vegetarian). For me it was
    sugar. Once I cut down to only natural sugars (i.e. what's already
    in the fruit), I suddenly began to feel a whole lot
    better.

  • DENISE shammaa 6/3/2007 12:00:00 AM

    YOGA! I love it. It relaxes my body and my mond and believe it
    or not it is a work out.I have three kids and a grandkid and
    believe me sometimes it's hard to keep up with everyone and the 28
    acres that have to be brush-hogged every other week.You can even do
    it at work. There are poses for evrything. It may ake several trys
    to perfect a pose and several years ti use it properly, but wow the
    change in my body and soul needs it now!DeniseWV

  • Roy Howe 6/3/2007 12:00:00 AM

    I keep in shape by playing badminton 3, sometimes 4 times a
    week.also workout with weights 3 times pw.Baddy is a great social
    game and a lot of funI turn 80 this year, so you can see it's not
    just for youngsters.What IS stress??

  • Alyssa Hazel Bercasio 6/2/2007 12:00:00 AM

    well, indeed. you are right in saying that through exercise, we
    can easily beat stress away. i have already experienced that
    before. there was really a time where i've been worrying a lot
    about school works such as research papers and the like. those were
    really important. then, i was really haggard that time. i didn't
    know what to do. nonetheless, i finished doing it, because of our
    physical education teacher. she drives us to exercise. i tried,
    then ask me what happened? i was able to think well. thus, in the
    final analysis, i was overwhelmed upon discerning that i was alredy
    through with all the schoolworks consigned to me. truly, by keeping
    in mind the importance of exercise, a person will find it easy to
    battle with all the challenges life could bring. by the way, thanks
    for the further information you have shared to all of the
    readers...:):):):):)

  • Christine Miller 6/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

    Belly dancing is an excellent form of exercise, it is mentally
    stimulating, it is a full body workout and, most of all, it is
    fun.

  • Kathleen Ersch 6/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

    The best thing I did for my health and well being was to retire
    to our 5 acres woodlot on Whidbey Island. Gathering and splitting
    our own firewood with a maul is great for relieving stress and good
    exercise too. Taking care of the house, trails and wildlife habitat
    is very gratifying. Have lost 50 pounds since leaving the corporate
    world and the long commutes behind.Now I do these things for
    pleasure and exercise. No need to deal with stress. It's
    gone!

  • Jake Jacobson 6/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

    I mow the lawn. With a push mower.No easy feat! The front half
    of the property alone is well over an acre - the back I leave
    wild.Takes a total of 16 hours, which I split up into 3 days...Sure
    keeps me in shape, and I'm fixing to turn 55!

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