How does physical activity affect stress

When your heart rate is raised, your body naturally releases endorphins, which are essentially your brain's main way of making you feel good. You've probably heard of the "runner's high" and other phenomenon - that's people's brains releasing endorphins as they exercise.

You don't need to be a fitness enthusiast to get this effect, though - any activity that gets your heart rate up will cause your brain to release endorphins. Simply put, any time you're earning PAI, your body will release endorphins, helping you to feel good and less stressed in the long term. As we exercise, our brain will shift more and more focus onto that particular activity.

Even if it's subconscious, such as placing one foot in front of the other or taking another breath, your mind will gradually focus mostly on the activity you're doing.

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Exercise as Stress Relief. Medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M. Exercise cuts the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, colon and breast cancers, osteoporosis and fractures, obesity, depression, and even dementia memory loss. Exercise slows the aging process, increases energy, and prolongs life. Except during illness, you should exercise nearly every day.

That doesn't necessarily mean hitting the gym or training for a marathon. But it does mean 30 to 40 minutes of moderate exercise such as walking or 15 to 20 minutes of vigorous exercise. More is even better, but the first steps provide the most benefit.

Aim to walk at least two miles a day, or do the equivalent amount of another activity. You can do it all at once or in to minute chunks if that fits your schedule better.

Add a little strength training and stretching two to three times a week, and you'll have an excellent, balanced program for health and stress reduction. And if you need more help with stress, consider autoregulation exercises involving deep breathing or muscular relaxation. Remember, too, that mental exercises are the time-honored ways to cut stress see box.

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