By: Cameron Knauerhaze
On even my darkest days, the last thing I feel like doing is hitting the gym or going for a run. I am inclined to sit, sleep, grab a drink, or ignore the stress completely. Occasionally, I take to the street for a run in an attempt to sweat the ill feelings out of my system. Well, it turns out I am half right.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Exercise increases your overall health and your sense of well-being. Exercise also has some direct stress-busting benefits.
It pumps up your endorphins. Physical activity helps to bump up the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins. Although this function is often referred to as a runner’s high, a rousing game of tennis or a nature hike also can contribute to this same feeling.
It’s meditation in motion. After a fast-paced game of racquetball or several laps in the pool, you’ll often find that you’ve forgotten the day’s irritations and concentrated only on your body’s movements. As you begin to regularly shed your daily tensions through movement and physical activity, you may find that this focus on a single task, and the resulting energy and optimism, can help you remain calm and clear in everything that you do.
It improves your mood. Regular exercise can increase self-confidence and lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. Exercise also can improve your sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety. All this can ease your stress levels and give you a sense of command over your body and your life.
In short, being a crime victim or survivor can be stressful. Please take steps to take care of yourself by looking out for #1 and that’s YOU! Seek counseling, get some exercise, and surround yourself with those that bring the best out of you.
Do you have a routine or activity that helps you illeviate stress? Please feel free to share by responding to this post.
Go well.
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