Stress is the modern-day killer. The American Medical Association states that stress is the cause of over 60% of all illness and disease. It seems that learning how to reduce the effects of stress is more important than ever before.
Did you know that exercise is an excellent way to reduce stress? You don't need to be an elite athlete or a superstar football player to experience the benefits of a stress relief workout. No matter their age, level of fitness, or schedule, anyone can reduce stress through exercise.
But exactly how does training reduce stress? And what if you don't have much time available? Keep reading to learn about the easiest way to minimize stress and anxiety using a fun and intuitive fitness app from the comfort of your own home or office.
Why is Stress so Dangerous?
Stress causes inflammation in the body, which is the precursor to many chronic and fatal diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Stress can also contribute to the following health conditions:
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Immune system dysfunction
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Emotional regulation issues
- Behavioral changes
- Insomnia
- Ulcers
- Low energy
- Muscular tension and pain
- Autoimmune disease
- Addictions and harmful coping mechanisms
How Does Exercise Reduce Stress?
Studies have shown that even light exercise goes a long way to decrease the effects of stress on the body and mind. These are several reasons for this, including:
1: Endorphins
Exercise releases feel-good hormones called endorphins. These neurotransmitters are responsible for the feeling commonly known as a 'runner's high,' a sense of happiness and wellbeing experienced after a workout. You don't need to be a runner to experience this; any moderate-intensity activity will release those endorphins and get you feeling great again.
2: Health
Regular exercise contributes to a healthy body, and when you feel healthy, you find it easier to manage stressful and overwhelming situations. Plus, you have more energy to deal with any issues as they arise.
3: Sleep
Getting enough good-quality sleep is fundamental to your stress management abilities. Too little sleep and even small issues can seem like insurmountable mountains towering before you. Exercise helps you get better quality sleep, and as a result, you are much better able to deal with stress and anxiety in day to day life.
4: Meditation
We know how beneficial meditation is for our mental health, but despite that, there are still many people who find it too challenging or uncomfortable to sit in silence and stillness for extended periods. If that sounds like you, you'll be delighted to hear that exercise can act as a form of moving meditation. Any repetitive action performed with mindful presence can provide meditative effects, which is hugely beneficial for reducing the effects of stress.
5: Confidence and Control
Regular exercise makes you feel more confident in your body and more in control of your life. Both of these feelings contribute to an increased capacity to handle stressful situations in positive and effective ways. When you feel good about yourself, and on top of your game, you make better decisions, you are less judgemental, and you are more likely to consider all your options and the effects of the decision on all those involved.
But I'm Too Busy to Go to the Gym!
Fear not; you can gain all the benefits of a stress relief workout without leaving your home or office. There is no need to carve two hours out of your day traveling to the gym, getting changed, performing an hour-long workout, waiting for the shower to be free, and then traveling home again. All you need is the 30 Day Fitness app, a small amount of floor space, and 15 minutes a day.
30 Day Fitness is an intuitive, easy-to-use app that tailors your workout plan to your fitness level, goal, and schedule. You answer a short questionnaire as part of the onboarding process, and the app generates your perfect fitness routine. Even better, none of the exercises require a lot of space or any equipment, so you are free to decompress whenever suits you best.
Reduce Stress in 15 Minutes
You don't need to dedicate much time to begin feeling the stress-busting benefits - you can achieve a sense of wellbeing in as little as 15 minutes a day. You can exercise at whatever time of day suits your schedule best. If you're an early bird, why not incorporate your stress relief workout into your morning routine? More of a night owl? Do a quick 15-minute exercise session before you hit the hay. Whatever your schedule or personal preferences, you can enjoy your workout whenever and wherever you like.
Workouts That Adapt to Your Energy Levels
Another great benefit of working out with the 30 Day Fitness app is that you can vary the exercise session's intensity according to your energy levels. All you need to do is go into that day's workout and swap the individual exercises for easier or harder versions. It is so simple to do, and it means you get the perfect workout for your needs every time.
Exercise doesn't have to be high intensity to reduce stress. Even a gentle stretching routine or light exercise can diminish tension and overwhelm and make you feel relaxed. The app contains some great stretches and cool-down exercises based on yoga poses, so even if that's all you can manage on some days, you will still receive many benefits.
Take on a Challenge to Gain a Sense of Achievement
The 30 Day Fitness app has a variety of 30-day challenges that you can take on. You can choose from challenges that focus on a particular body part, such as a flat belly or toned legs, or you can go for a full-body transformation. There is immense satisfaction to be gained by ticking off your workout each day. Plus, there is an enormous sense of achievement to be gained when you complete the challenge. Having a feeling of accomplishment contributes to increased confidence and sense of self-worth, both of which are beneficial for improving the way you handle stress.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to relieve stress using exercise is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Managing your stress and anxiety levels is crucial for reducing your risk of inflammation, illness, and disease and helping you to live a happy, healthy life. Reduce the effects of stress quickly with the 30 Day Fitness app and find the perfect stress relief workout to fit your individual needs.
Did you enjoy this article? Share it!
