| Services |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| News |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Channels |
| Home & Family |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Leisure |
|
|
|
|
| Technology |
|
|
|
|
|
| Business |
|
|
|
|
| Science |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Site Search  |
|
|
|
|
| Free email |
|
|
|
|
 |
An examination of the link between exercise and stress |
| Donald Saunders |
It has been known for some time that exercise can help in stress relief but what is perhaps much less well known is the scientific basis for the benefits of exercise.
Exercise initiates the release of several chemicals within the brain. A good example of this is the 'endorphin high' that a lot of runners experience as the brain produces opiate-like chemicals which the body uses as natural pain relievers and which has been very well documented.
The brain is also responsible for the release of various neuro-transmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine all of which have been found to have beneficial effects in elevating mood. Once again, the effect of low levels of these nero-transmitters in the body in causing anxiety, depression and sometimes even aggression has been very well documented.
In addition to triggering the brain into producing chemicals that are helpful in reducing stress, exercise also lessens the production of various chemicals that are by-products of stress. For instance, when a person is under stress the body's sympathetic nervous system produces chemicals such as cortisol and several hormones that, if allowed to accumulate in the blood stream, could harm the blood vessels and produce scaring and even narrowing of the arteries.
 | | < (<) |
Exercise can assist in solving this particular problem in two ways. First, exercise will make use of those compounds and breaks them down into harmless forms that are passed out of the body in the urine. Second, a workout assists in strengthening the blood vessels and giving them increased elasticity so that they can better resist attack. One of the more common signs of stress is tense muscles, particularly in the neck, shoulders and calves and a workput can assist in loosen these up.
In addition to these chemical effects there are also several psychological benefits that can be derived from having a regular workout routine. Focusing your attention on an exercise routine takes your mind away from the whole array of things that could be producing stress in your life and it is extremely hard to concentrate on those things that are upsetting you and to concentrate on your workout at one and the same time.
In addition this effect helps by giving your mind a chance to produce what is called homeostasis. Put simply this is a feedback mechanism within the body that acts to return your body to a state of equilibrium and strenuous exercise that takes your mind off your problems will also allow this system time to function.
Naturally there are a variety of other psychological benefits that follow on from regular exercise such as the confidence that can be gained from merely improving your general health and fitness. Here it is a case of 'when you look good then you generally feel good'.
As well, it helps you to recognize that you are using effort in order to improve your mind and body and that you are doing something that is positive rather than merely giving in to the sense of helplessness and the passivity that frequently go together with stress. It is very easy to find that the things in your life that are causing you stress become the central focus of your attention and merely putting them to the back of your mind can often produce dramatic results.
|
|
|
| Quotes | I would like to state something about college life: Facist Europe papersattract a disproportionate number of gothic type faces.
David Randall
I would rather have had one breath of her hair, one kiss from her mouth, one touch of her hand, than an eternity without it. One.
Nicholas Cage, City of Angels |
| Writers | | If you are a writer and want to see your article published at Theallineed.com, just click here to submit. |
|
Secretary-General welcomes 'historic' election of Lebanese President
Implementing New Technology