Combat Stress with Exercise
Stress is a natural biological and psychological response to perceived challenges or threats, whether work-related pressure, life changes, or unexpected events. When we feel stressed, our body releases two main hormones to help us respond: cortisol and adrenaline.
Cortisol raises blood glucose levels to fuel our body and brain during challenging situations.
Adrenaline increases heart rate and blood pressure, preparing us for action.
While these responses are beneficial in the short term, chronic stress can lead to serious health issues. When the stress response is constantly active, it can disrupt many of the body's processes, contributing to:
Heart Disease: Chronically elevated blood pressure and restricted blood vessels can lead to vessel damage and plaque buildup, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Obesity: Stress-related hormonal changes, such as elevated insulin levels, can increase appetite and encourage the body to store more fat.
Digestive Problems: Constant high-stress levels can impair digestion, as the body prioritises its "fight or flight" response, leading to gastrointestinal issues like bloating, indigestion, and poor nutrient absorption.
How Regular Exercise Can Protect Against Stress
Incorporating regular physical activity into your life is one of the best ways to counter the harmful effects of stress. Here's how exercise helps:
Boosts "Feel-Good" Endorphins: Exercise increases the production of endorphins—natural chemicals in the brain that improve mood, relieve pain, and promote relaxation. This boost in endorphins helps reduce the impact of stress and enhances your overall sense of well-being.
Desensitises the Body's Stress Response: Physical activity allows the body to practice responding to stress in a healthy, controlled way. As you work out, your body experiences a stress response similar to what you'd feel daily, but without the negative emotional trigger. Over time, this can reduce the body's overreaction to everyday stressors.
Elevates Mood: Regular physical activity improves self-confidence, reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, and helps you relax more effectively.
Take Charge of Your Health with Exercise Physiology
At The Right Move Allied Health Centre, we're dedicated to helping you build resilience against stress through evidence-based exercise physiology programs. By incorporating regular, structured physical activity, you can protect yourself from the harmful effects of stress, improve your mental and physical well-being, and enhance your quality of life. Whether you're dealing with chronic anxiety or simply looking to build a healthier lifestyle, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
Get moving, feel better, and make the right move today!