Using Exercise to combat stress

Like me, I'm sure you go through days where you literally feel like your head is going to explode as lots of little, niggly things start to build up in your head and wind you up the more you think about them.  Usually these things are hardly earth shattering or on a normal wouldn't warrant a second thought and would go over the top of your head but sometimes they are like a delicious poisonous cocktail to the that little chitter chattering little demon that sits on our shoulder doing his best to be heard, winding us up, causing self doubt, and stressing us out!

We've all heard about stress reducing techniques, using yoga & meditation, talking with friends to calm you down, but one of the best ways to release all the pent up frustration, stress & upset is to exercise!  Channelling all your negative emotions into an activity not only releases feel good endorphins into your brain, but your aggression will subside and you will sleep a heck of a lot better too.

So what kind of activity should you do to release your pent up emotions?  Firstly you should choose something that you can physically do for a prolonged period of time and suits your fitness level.  If you are a novice and decide to give advanced step a go, you may just make your stress even worse if you struggle to keep up with the rest of the class. A combat combat/boxing class may work for you, as you can envisage the source of your anger stress as you workout;  I would regularly envisage my partner in Body Combat if I had been seriously stressed out by some of his more irksome requests, and in my head, quite literally beat the stuffing out of him as I was exercising.  Very cathartic I must admit.  Above all though, whatever you decide to pursue, you have to choose something YOU ENJOY!

6 tips to exercise away tension;

1. Take the time to exercise, at least 3 times a week if not daily if you have a hectic schedule. Exercising straight after work allows you to release the stresses of the day, allowing you to have a more restful evening.
2. Choose something that matches your physical & mental needs.  Don't force yourself to do a team activity if you hate it or loathe competition in others as this will be counter productive.
3. Mentally prepare; think what has pissed you off since your last exercise session, keep them with you as you begin your session; the mind will cleanse itself of the negativity as your go through your work out.
4. Exercise duration; some people feel calmer after 10-20 minutes.  Personally, I need a good hour til I feel like I'm somewhere back to normal.  Do what feels right for you.
5. Post exercise, enjoy the feeling of release, have a hot shower, breathe in the fab feelings flowing through you, imagine negativity being washed away by the water and steam.  Have a post workout hot beverage with friends, chat, gossip, laugh, you'll feel much better!
6. After your session, get back on the life train with a better attitude and outlook.  Tension may start again at some point but the more you get into the exercise routine the more generally relaxed you will become.

So what are you waiting for?  Get out there and start ridding yourself of all that tension. Think of the secondary benefits of doing it; you will lose weight, look fitter, make friends, and feel wonderful!!