In today's fast-paced world, it is not possible to save yourself from getting stressed out at times. It is actually quite normal, but it is still important to take steps to manage stress in a better way. You need to understand that stress accumulates over time, so you have to do something to relieve stress and stay healthy. Thankfully, you can try many stress relief exercises to manage things in a much better way. Let's find out what you can do.
Best Exercises to Relieve Stress
Exercise helps manage stress because it lowers cortisol levels in the body. Your body will also release endorphins that make you feel better. By triggering the release of endorphins, you can have improved mood, sleep better, and have a clear mind. Here are some exercises to try:
1. Snowboarding
When you feel stressed out in those winter months, you can always lift your spirits up by enjoying snowboarding or skiing. Getting up the mountain is a challenging task but what comes next is even exciting, and all that excitement will help lower levels of cortisol and increase levels of endorphins.
2. Yoga
Yoga is arguably one of the best stress relief exercises. It is a combination of many stationary and moving postures or poses. It also teaches you how to breathe deeply while performing those moves and this helps relax your mind and body.
3. Tai Chi
It involves a series of flowing body movements combined with special breathing techniques. Those movements basically come from martial arts, but they are geared towards calming your mind and conditioning your body. Therefore, Tai chai is also one of the best stress relief exercises. By doing it regularly, you will also be able to improve your immune system, build bone density, and prevent problems like arthritis, heart failure, hypertension, and fibromyalgia. Once you have learned the moves, there is no restriction on where you practice those moves, and that is one of the best things about Tai Chi.
4. Hiking
Another great way to keep you occupied in those stressful days is to go hiking. Spending time in the great outdoors will always benefit your mind and body. Hiking is also a great form of exercise and improves your blood circulation, which prevents many other health complications.
5. Pilates
Named after their creator, Pilates is actually combination of controlled movements and mat exercises. It helps build your flexibility, strength, and endurance. As it is an anaerobic exercise, it works great to relieve stress and improve your overall health. Through controlled movements, Pilates helps condition your body and makes you feel better about yourself. It also improves blood flow to the brain and calms your mind.
6. Dancing
Dancing is one of the simplest stress relief exercises. You really do not need to know the moves. You just need to play your favorite track and dance in any way you like. You just have to enjoy the moment and make whatever move you like. However, you can also take dancing classes to be a more creative and expressional dancer. The time you spend in a dance class will make you forget about the problems in your life, and this triggers the release of endorphins. Dancing is also beneficial because it helps build muscle, reduce weight, strengthen bones, and improve cardiovascular health.
7. Ai Chi
Ai Chi is more like a combination of Shiatsu, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong. You will have to create a relaxing form of movement by using the water resistance and buoyancy. While performing these movements, you will be shoulder deep in water. It also involves learning some special breathing techniques to help have a better control over your body, both mentally and physically.
8. Running
When you find yourself under stress, go out for a short run. Nothing works better than a short running session to help release stress. Again, you will be spending time in the outdoors, which is another reason why running can help relax your nerves and release stress. You do not need any gym membership or anything. Just wear your shoes and enjoy running!
9. Weight Lifting
When you feel stressed out because of excess energy, there is nothing better than weightlifting to take control of you, both physically and mentally. Weightlifting works great to help you achieve your fitness goals and it increases lean muscle mass, which ensures that you keep burning calories even when you are not in the gym. By improving your body composition, you will be able to improve your confidence, which will make it easier to manage stress.
10. Chi Running
If you are looking for a 'spiritual' experience while doing an exercise, you may want to give Chi Running a shot. It is a combination of Tai Chai and a unique form of spiritual cardio. It involves engaging your core muscles while utilizing resistance-free, relaxed, forward momentum. It can be an amazingly relaxing experience, which is why it is one of the best stress relief exercises.