Understanding The Connection Between Exercise and Stress
By: Donald Saunders
It is very well known that exercise is helpful in stress relief but what is probably not quite so well known are the scientific reasons for the benefits derived from exercise.
Exercise stimulates the release of a variety of chemicals by the brain. An excellent example is the 'endorphin high' which a lot of runners experience as the brain produces opiate-like chemicals which the body uses as natural pain killers and which has been very well documented.
The brain also produces various neuro-transmitters such as norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin which have been shown to be beneficial as mood elevators. Once more, the effect of low levels of these in causing anxiety, depression and sometimes even anger has been very well documented.
In addition to triggering the brain into producing chemicals which are of assistance in lowering stress, exercise also lessens the production of some chemicals which are by-products of stress. For example, if an individual is under stress the sympathetic nervous system produces chemicals such as cortisol and a variety of hormones which, if left in the blood, can harm the blood vessels and lead to scaring and possibly even narrowing of the arteries.
Regular exercise can help in solving this problem in two different ways. First, exercise makes use of those compounds and breaks them down into harmless products which can be passed out of the body in the urine. Second, exercise assists in strengthening the blood vessels and giving them greater elasticity so that they can better resist attack. One of the more common signs of stress is tense muscles, particularly in the shoulders, neck and calves and exercise can help to loosen these.
In addition to these chemical effects there are also a variety of psychological benefits which can be derived from following a regular exercise routine. Focusing your attention on a workout routine takes your mind away from the whole variety of things which may be producing the stress in your life and it is very difficult to concentrate on the things which are worrying you and to concentrate on your workout at one and the same time.
This effect also helps to give your mind an opportunity to bring about what is known as homeostasis. Put simply homeostasis is a feedback mechanism within the body which works to return your body to a state of equilibrium and a strenuous workout which takes your mind off your worries also gives this system the time to kick in.
Of course there are several other psychological benefits which result from a regular workout such as the confidence which can be gained from improving your overall health and fitness. Here it is a case of 'if you look good then you normally feel good'.
As well, it helps you to recognize that you are applying effort in order to improve your mind and body and that you are doing something that is positive rather than simply giving in to the sense of helplessness and the resultant passivity which normally go with stress. It is all too easy to find that the things which are placing you under stress have become the main focus of your attention and simply putting them to the back of your mind can normally produce dramatic results.
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