By Dr. Emil Tompkins, Tucson Family Chiropractor with a passion for health and wellness.
Work, family, Finances, friends. These are all things that can cause stress. And they affect us in so many ways. From our emotional state to our blood pressure can have some lifelong consequences to our health. Stress can be managed in many positive ways. Today we’re going to talk about exercise, one of the best stress relievers out there. The benefits can be astounding, if you do it right. Here are a few reasons why exercise will help you relieve stress. According to Mayo Clinic, here are a few exercise 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.
Your body was created with all the stress-relieving chemicals it needs. The brain is full of anti-depressive, anti anxiety chemicals. Sometimes, we just need to help release those mood enhancing elements. It even affects me.
When I come home from the office, my wife will sometimes ask me “Have you exercised in a while?” I know that I must be pretty stressed when she asks that question. Remember, take healthy steps to manage your stress. Exercise is one really effective step. You’re not just doing this for yourself. You’re making a difference for your entire family.
Dr. Emil Tompkins
Tompkins Family Chiropractic Marana and Northwest Tucson, Call 520.572.2596 http://www.tompkinschiropractic.com From back pain to sciatica, neck pain to headaches, ADHD to Autism, Dr. Tompkins creates an individualized health program to suit your specific needs. Come see why we were voted Best in the Northwest 3 years in a row. For a consultation with the doctor, call us at 520.572.2596 and we’ll be happy to help your family grow healthier today.
