An Examination Of The Relationship Between Exercise and Stress

It has been known for some time that exercise is helpful in relieving stress but what is possibly far less well known is the scientific basis for the benefits derived from exercise.

Exercise triggers the release of various chemicals within the brain. An especially good example is the 'endorphin high' which many runners get as the brain releases opiate-like chemicals which the body uses as natural pain killers and which has been well documented.

The brain is also responsible for the release of a variety of neuro-transmitters like norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine which have been shown to have beneficial effects in elevating mood. Once more, the effect of low levels of these nero-transmitters in causing depression, anxiety and occasionally even aggression has been well documented.

In addition to stimulating the brain into releasing chemicals that are of assistance in reducing stress, exercise also lowers the production of several chemicals that are by-products of stress. For example, when an individual finds himself under stress the sympathetic nervous system produces chemicals like cortisol and a variety of hormones which, if left in the blood stream, could damage the blood vessels and result in scaring and even narrowing of the arteries.

Exercise can help in solving this problem in two ways. First, exercise makes use of those compounds and breaks them down into harmless products that can be passed out in the urine. Second, a workout helps to strengthen the blood vessels and gives them increased elasticity so that they can better resist attack. One of the more common effects of stress is tense muscles, particularly in the shoulders, calves and neck and a workput will assist in loosen these up.

In addition to these chemical effects there are also a variety of psychological benefits to be gained from having a regular workout program. Concentrating your attention on an exercise program diverts your mind from the whole variety of things which could be producing stress in your life and it is surprisingly difficult to concentrate your attention on the things that are distressing you and to concentrate on your workout at one and the same time.

This effect also assists by giving your mind the opportunity to produce what is referred to as homeostasis. Put simply homeostasis is a feedback mechanism within the body which acts to bring your body back into a state of equilibrium and strenuous exercise which diverts your mind from your worries will also give this system time to kick in.

Naturally there are several other psychological benefits which result from a regular workout like the confidence that can be gained from simply improving your overall health and fitness. This is a case of 'when you look good then you generally feel good'.

As well, it helps you to realize that you are using 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 resultant passivity that frequently go with stress. It is all too easy to find that those things in your life which are placing you under stress become the main focus of your attention and simply putting them to the back of your mind will normally produce dramatic results.

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