A Look At The Association Between Stress And Exercise

It is a well know fact that exercise is helpful in stress relief but what is possibly much less well known is the scientific basis for the benefits of exercise.

Exercise initiates the release of several chemicals by the brain. An especially good example of this is the 'endorphin high' that a lot of runners experience as the brain releases opiate-like chemicals which act as natural pain relievers and which has been very well documented.

The human brain is also responsible for the release of several neuro-transmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin all of which have been shown to be beneficial as mood elevators. Again, the effect of low levels of these in leading to anxiety, depression and occasionally even aggression has been very well documented.

In addition to triggering the brain into releasing chemicals which are helpful in reducing stress, exercise also lowers the release of several chemicals which are by-products of stress. For example, if an individual finds himself under stress the body's sympathetic nervous system produces chemicals like cortisol and a number of hormones that, if allowed to accumulate in the blood stream, may damage the blood vessels and result in scaring and even a narrowing of the arteries.

Following an exercise program can assist in solving this problem in two ways. First, exercise makes use of these compounds by breaking them down into harmless forms which are passed out in the urine. Second, a workout helps to strengthen the blood vessels and gives them increased elasticity so that they are able to better withstand attack. One of the more common consequences of stress is tense muscles, particularly in the calves, shoulders and neck and exercise will help to loosen these up.

In addition to this variety of chemical effects there are also a variety of psychological benefits that can be derived from following a regular workout program. Focusing your attention on an exercise program takes your mind away from the whole variety of things that might be producing the stress in your life and it is very hard to concentrate on those things which are upsetting you and to concentrate on your exercise plan at one and the same time.

Additionally this effect helps to give your mind a chance to create what is called homeostasis. Put simply this is a feedback mechanism within the body that works to bring your body back into a state of equilibrium and strenuous exercise that takes your mind off your worries will also allow this system the time to function.

Naturally there are a variety of other psychological benefits that result from regular exercise like the confidence which can be gained from merely improving your general health and fitness. This is a case of 'if you look good then you normally feel good'.

Additionally, it is helpful to appreciate that you are exerting effort to improve your body and mind and that you are doing something which is positive instead of merely giving in to the feelings of helplessness and the passivity which normally go along with stress. It is all too easy to find that those things in your life that are placing you under stress become the main focus of your attention and simply relegating them to the back of your mind will often lead to dramatic results.

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