It has been known for some time that exercise is helpful in relieving stress but what is almost certainly much less well known are the scientific reasons for the benefits which we derive from exercise.
Exercise causes the release of several chemicals within the brain. An excellent example is the 'endorphin high' that many runners get as the brain produces opiate-like chemicals which act as natural pain killers and which has been very well documented.
The brain also produces a number of neuro-transmitters like dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine all of which have been shown to be beneficial in elevating mood. Once more, the effect of low levels of these in the body in causing depression, anxiety and sometimes even hostility has been very well documented.
In addition to triggering the brain into producing chemicals which are of assistance in lowering stress, exercise also reduces the release of several chemicals which are by-products of stress. For instance, if a person is placed under stress the body's sympathetic nervous system produces chemicals like cortisol and a variety of hormones that, if allowed to accumulate in the blood, may damage the blood vessels and result in scaring and possibly even a narrowing of the arteries.
Following an exercise program can help to solve this problem in two ways. First, exercise actually makes use of those compounds by breaking them down into harmless forms which can be passed out in the urine. Second, exercise assists in strengthening the blood vessels and gives them greater elasticity so that they can better resist attack. One of the more frequently seen consequences of stress is tense muscles, especially in the calves, shoulders and neck and exercise will assist in loosen these.
In addition to these chemical effects there are also a variety of psychological benefits that can be gained from having a regular workout program. Focusing your attention on an exercise program diverts your mind from the whole variety of things that could be producing the stress in your life and it is very hard to focus on those things which are distressing you and to focus on your exercise plan at one and the same time.
In addition this effect helps by giving your mind the chance to produce what is called homeostasis. Put simply homeostasis is one of the body's feedback mechanisms that acts to return your body to a state of equilibrium and a strenuous workout that takes your mind off your problems will also allow this system the time to function.
Naturally there are various other psychological benefits that follow on from regular exercise like the confidence which can be gained from merely improving your overall health and fitness. This is a case of 'if you look good then you normally feel good'.
In addition, it is helpful to realize that you are exerting effort to improve your body and mind and that you are doing something positive instead of simply giving in to the sense of helplessness and the passivity which generally go along with stress. It is very easy to find that those things that are causing you stress have become the main focus of your attention and merely relegating them to the back of your mind will often produce dramatic results.
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