It is very well known that exercise is helpful in stress relief but what is almost certainly far less well known are the scientific reasons for the benefits of exercise.
Exercise triggers the release of various chemicals by the brain. An excellent example is the 'endorphin high' that a lot of runners get as the brain releases opiate-like chemicals which act as natural pain relievers and which is very well documented.
The brain also produces a number of neuro-transmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine all of which have been demonstrated to have beneficial effects as mood elevators. Again, the effect of low levels of these in causing anxiety, depression and occasionally even anger is very well documented.
As well as exciting the brain into releasing chemicals that are of assistance in reducing stress, exercise also lessens the release of several chemicals that are by-products of stress. For instance, when an individual is under stress the sympathetic nervous system produces chemicals such as cortisol and various hormones that, if left in the blood stream, can cause harm to the blood vessels and result in scaring and possibly even narrowing of the arteries.
Exercise can assist in solving this problem in two different ways. First, a workout actually makes use of those compounds and breaks them down into harmless forms that can be passed out in the urine. Second, a workout assists in strengthening the blood vessels and gives them greater elasticity so that they can better withstand attack. One of the more common signs of stress is tense muscles, particularly in the shoulders, calves and neck and a workout can assist in loosen these up.
As well as these various chemical effects there are also various psychological benefits that can be gained from following a regular exercise program. Focusing your attention on an exercise program diverts your mind from the whole array of things that could be causing the stress in your life and it is extremely difficult to focus on the things that are distressing you and to focus on your workout at the same time.
This effect also helps to give your mind an opportunity to create what is called homeostasis. In simple terms this is one of the body's feedback mechanisms that works to bring your body back into a state of equilibrium and a strenuous workout that diverts your mind from your problems also allows this system the time to kick in.
Of course there are several other psychological benefits that result from regular exercise such as the self-confidence that can be gained from improving your general health and fitness. This is a case of 'when you look good then you normally feel good'.
As well, it helps you to realize that you are exerting effort in order to improve your body and mind and that you are doing something that is positive rather than merely giving in to the sense of helplessness and the passivity that normally go with stress. It is very easy to find that those things in your life that are causing you stress have become the main focus of your attention and just relegating them to the back of your mind can usually lead to dramatic results.
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