Exercise For Stress Reduction Pt 2
Part Two
While it is not possible to eliminate stress completely there are things that you can do to minimize the damage that stress can cause.
Exercise is perhaps the most effective tool in stress management. It can benefit you in so many ways and reduces stress in more ways than one. While it may be difficult to get started or even to commit to a regular fitness program it is important to get in some physical activity whenever possible.
Different types of exercise perform different functions. The two main categories of exercise are aerobic and anaerobic. Aerobic exercise is sustained activity that uses the major muscle groups. Examples of aerobic exercise are running, swimming, bicycling.
These types of exercise increase heart and respiratory rate and circulate oxygen through the body. In order to be most effective and to reach a level of conditioning and improve overall health this type of exercise should be done 3 times a week for at least 20 minutes.
Anaerobic or low impact exercises do not sustain the training heart rate for very long. They do however improve muscle strength, flexibility and are a good outlet to release those negative feelings associated with stress. Strengthening exercises are not as effective as aerobic exercise but are helpful to the body in performing aerobic exercises and many find them to be great stress relievers.
It is important to note that too much vigorous exercise can cause the same effects as stress can cause damage to your system. This is why it is vital that exercise is begun gradually and increased gradually. Before doing any type of exercise it is important to stretch.
Stretching is also a great way to relax or to relieve a little pressure in times of stress when you are unable to get out and exercise.
Today's Stress Cure FactStress MeditationUndergoing or anticipating major changes to ones life such as a move, change in jobs such as a promotion, new job or retirement or family status such as marriage, adoption or pregnancy. If undergoing a major change in one aspect of your life it may be advisable to limit or avoid changes in other aspects. Sometimes people feel stressed at certain times of the day or even of the year due to work or other pressures such as family obligations. For some it is the holidays, for others it is the summer or upcoming birthdays or anniversaries.
A good way to monitor stress level or to prepare is to write things down. You may want to try keeping a daily log of events and reactions or even just taking a few moments a day to jot down your feelings or emotions. It is also helpful to write things down such as appointments, to do lists, meal plans, and upcoming events instead of relying on memory as this can cause mental anguish and undue stress.
post traumatic stress disorder
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Stress Fighting Foods |
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There are a few simple steps that you can do whenever and wherever you feel the need to help you to relax. To begin take up to ten deep breathes. Roll your neck and drop your chin to your chest. Next roll your head from shoulder to front to shoulder to back and repeat alternating directions. To loosen up more of your body you can sit upright in a chair, lift your arms over your head and swing them down back and forward, like you are doing the backstroke. Repeat 5-10 times.
Then you can stand up and stretch your hands high over Your head slightly bend the knees and reach down and touch your toes. Stand with your hands on hips, legs apart. Bend toward at the waist until your upper torso is parallel with the floor. Still bending at the waist, rotate your upper body and head first to the right, then to the left and then to the front. Repeat 5-10 times.
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Be sure to get enough sleep. On average, a person needs about 7 hours of sleep a night, of course this varies from person to person.
By getting enough sleep you will be more even tempered, and also be able to manage the unexpected, and stressful situations you run into, in a more positive way. |
To loosen up your back and to release all of that pent up tension sit at the edge of your chair feet flat, and lean forward, chest on knees, hands and head hanging loosely down. Slowly unroll your back, until you are sitting upright.
Natural Stress Cures for Today
08/15/2008
Community Calendar (Edison-Norwood Times Review)
The Edison-Norwood Times Review welcomes items for our Community Calendar. Items must be received a minimum of 10 days prior to publication, but earlier is better. Items are printed as space allows, and publication is not guaranteed. E-mail items to parkridge@pioneerlocal.com; fax to (847) 696-3229; or mail to: Pioneer Press, 130 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge IL, 60068.
Community Calendar (Edison-Norwood Times Review)
08/02/2008
I can't stop sweating (Times Online)
Philippa Nightingale dreads meeting new people. She's an amusing, articulate, friendly 36-year-old, but her body is clammy with sweat most of the time. Sometimes her hands drip. Shaking hands is a trial, she says, and causes people to pull back from her.
I can't stop sweating (Times Online)
08/15/2008
Community Calendar (Edison-Norwood Times Review)
The Edison-Norwood Times Review welcomes items for our Community Calendar. Items must be received a minimum of 10 days prior to publication, but earlier is better. Items are printed as space allows, and publication is not guaranteed. E-mail items to parkridge@pioneerlocal.com; fax to (847) 696-3229; or mail to: Pioneer Press, 130 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge IL, 60068.
Community Calendar (Edison-Norwood Times Review)
08/02/2008
I can't stop sweating (Times Online)
Philippa Nightingale dreads meeting new people. She's an amusing, articulate, friendly 36-year-old, but her body is clammy with sweat most of the time. Sometimes her hands drip. Shaking hands is a trial, she says, and causes people to pull back from her.
I can't stop sweating (Times Online)
08/02/2008
I can't stop sweating (Times Online)
Philippa Nightingale dreads meeting new people. She's an amusing, articulate, friendly 36-year-old, but her body is clammy with sweat most of the time. Sometimes her hands drip. Shaking hands is a trial, she says, and causes people to pull back from her.
I can't stop sweating (Times Online)
07/24/2008
More Than 300 New Medicines Being Developed for Mental Illnesses (PR Newswire via Yahoo! News)
There are a record 301 new medicines being developed for mental illnesses, according to a new report released here today during a briefing that focused on the devastating effects that mental illnesses have on patients, their families, and society. Nationwide, mental illness affects nearly 60 million American adults. The briefing, led by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America ...
More Than 300 New Medicines Being Developed for Mental Illnesses (PR Newswire via Yahoo! News)
08/18/2008
Many Canadians stigmatize mentally ill, poll finds (CTV Winnipeg)
Many Canadians hold negative attitudes towards people with mental health issues, says a new poll released Monday by the Canadian Medical Association.
Many Canadians stigmatize mentally ill, poll finds (CTV Winnipeg)
08/15/2008
Community Calendar (Edison-Norwood Times Review)
The Edison-Norwood Times Review welcomes items for our Community Calendar. Items must be received a minimum of 10 days prior to publication, but earlier is better. Items are printed as space allows, and publication is not guaranteed. E-mail items to parkridge@pioneerlocal.com; fax to (847) 696-3229; or mail to: Pioneer Press, 130 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge IL, 60068.
Community Calendar (Edison-Norwood Times Review)
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