Finals are right around the corner, which usually means high stress levels and lack of sleep among students. Luckily there are active ways you can relieve your stress depending on your personal preferences! The most popular exercises for stress relief are Yoga and Pilates, walking, and circuit training; all of which can be done on your own or at NAU’s Recreation Center.
- Yoga and Pilates
Yoga is known to help calm the mind and relax the body, but it also helps relieve stress. Pilates can be more intense than yoga because it focuses on core strength and stability, requiring mental concentration. But Pilates can help reduce back and neck pain, which often come from stress.
- Walking
If you’re looking for something to do on your own, or in your spare time, walking is a great way to stay fit and reduce stress levels. Regular walking can boost your mood and self-confidence, while decreasing any anxiety and stress.
- Circuit Training
Maybe you are is looking for a workout to get your blood pumping and sweat dripping instead; if that’s the case then circuit training is for you. This high intensity workout releases feel-good endorphins and packs in a great workout in a short amount of timeperfect for study breaks.
If you’re wondering how exercise even reduces stress, I did a little research on the internet and found some helpful information from http://www.active.com. Below are some of the few ways working out can help you get a handle on your stress levels.
- Exercise helps keep all your body systems in sync, which is important when stress arises. In order for your body to react well and properly to stress, it’s pertinent for the body systems to be working together efficiently.
- Working out makes you happy!! Although this idea isn’t 100% scientifically proven, exercising has been shown to release more endorphins, which are natural pain killers that give you a “high” feeling after workouts.
- The rhythm of exercising, whether running or cycling, can help relax your mind. It’s one of the best times to just focus on yourself and your surroundings, and let go of all life’s worries.
- Exercising leads to better sleep at night. We all have those weeks when we feel as though we could sleep forever, and the last thing we want to do is workout. Getting in that workout though, can break your bad sleeping cycle and give you more energy during the day.
If you want more information on how exercising can reduce your stress, read the rest of the article at: http://www.active.com/fitness/articles/7-ways-exercise-relieves-stress.
Remember to listen to your body and tune into what is really needs. No one knows your body’s signals better than you!
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