Stress is all in the mind. We see, taste, hear, think, feel, or remember something and our brain sets off the stress response. After a cascade of chemical actions and reactions our bodies are left drained and worn out, and muscles all tensed.
Hitting the gym to bench 300lbs is not the way to go here. What the body needs when stressed is light exercises that release tensed muscles, and relaxes the body.
The key is engaging in total body workouts that you enjoy (e.g. swimming, golf, running, cycling, etc.), that promote circulation, and gets the mind off stress, as well as burn off stress hormones. That way, the body can relax and function like before. Outdoors in the sun make an added benefit. Here are a few exercises that hit the mark:
- Walking. It allows you breathe fresh air, provides release of tight muscles, and hey, you can actually stop to smell the roses! My tip on walking to burn off stress is walking barefoot on grass. Fresh cut grass form short hard blades that massage nerve endings under the feet to provide sensational calming of nerves and relaxation for the body.
Walking on sand at the beach also provide similar effects, plus breeze from the ocean and the view. You can’t beat that! If you enjoy running, by all means get in a few miles jog in. It will do a lot of good.
- Playing with kids. My favorite workout to tame stress. Kids are ever ready to play. They scream and run and make it fun. If their laughter does not take your mind off stress nothing else will! A combo can be arranged: playing with kids barefoot on fresh cut grass. How about that!?
- Tai Chi and Yoga. They provide all the right moves to release tension. Don’t worry about your mind still being on the stress, the balancing challenges they offer knocks stress out cold! Another tip: do your Tai chi and Yoga sessions out in the open, especially by the beach.
- Playing drums. Banging on those giant drums with both hands out in the open makes music, provides a workout, and a feeling of accomplishment! Anything light, fun that encourages circulation, and gets the mind off stress is in. That’s the secret!