Stressed Out? Exercise Your Body to Relax Your Mind
What Is Your Stress Level?
Ask yourself, "What is my stress level today? Do I seek a serene, solitary release or an aggressive, high-intensity release?"
Exercises vary in intensity, depending on the individual. Here are some suggestions:
Serene/Solitary Release
- Relaxation Classes
- Stretching
- Yoga
- Weight Lifting
- Treadmill Walking
Aggressive / High-Intensity Release
- Cycling
- Running
- Kickboxing
November 2007 — Autumn is near and your schedule is busier than ever. With the kids back in school, there's shopping to be done, schedules to be coordinated and homework to be completed — not to mention the work that's piling up on your own desk at the office.
You can just feel the frustration and tension building as you scan each item on your "to do" list. You think to yourself, "This can't be good."
The reality is that, no, this isn't good. Stress is a fact of life in today's hustle-and-hurry world, but the way you choose to deal with it can make all the difference.
Stress Management 101
"When tension and stress build up, physiological changes occur within the body," says Rob Herzog, Director at Memorial Hospital West Fitness & Rehabilitation Center. Exercise helps to temper moods, manage stress and alleviate depression. When choosing the right exercise to relieve tension, it is important to identify your stress triggers. If the source of tension is traffic and you're angry and frustrated, a high-intensity activity such as kickboxing may be the appropriate release."
Why not a quiet, introspective yoga session instead? "In this scenario, the focus on inner peace and slow movement may serve to agitate rather than calm. The source of tension came from slow movement on the expressway. With pent-up energy such as this, a high-intensity release would be most beneficial," says Herzog.
Get to Know Yourself
To choose the right exercise for your state of mind and body, self-analysis is required. According to Herzog, "It is important to understand and identify your stress to determine how to manage it. Again, some situations may call for a serene and solitary workout, while others may call for an aggressive and high-intensity release. Many times it boils down to, 'What is my stress level right now, and how can I best deal with it?'"
Cool It Down
An essential element in any exercise program is a cool-down period. According to Herzog, "Whether engaging in a high-intensity workout, moderate exertion on the treadmill or a stretching-and-toning session, the body needs the opportunity to bring itself back down."
During a cool-down, blood pressure stabilizes, the heartrate returns to normal and the mind is cleared. Physiologically, systems are restored, allowing for a refreshed mind/body connection.
At Memorial Fitness Centers, a professional staff of exercise physiologists, instructors and dietitians can help you establish fitness programs based on your individual needs. A variety of stress management and relaxation classes are offered, as well. For more information, contact
Memorial Regional Hospital Fitness & Rehabilitation Center at
(954) 265-5800 or
Memorial Hospital West Fitness & Rehabilitation Center at
(954) 844-7125.