What are your strategies for dealing with stress? You probably have several tools if you are like most people. Some tools are good for you, such as taking a day off and getting a massage. Others are bad, such as eating too many sweets or drinking too much. You should have several options to relieve tension.
Exercise can help you relax and reduce anxiety1. It also gives you confidence and mastery in situations where other aspects of your life seem out of control. These workouts can help you reduce stress.
Interval Training
Cardio with higher intensity is great for stress relief because it releases endorphins which are feel-good hormones. This boosts your mood and energy.
Interval training is a great way to relieve stress. It allows you to train at higher intensity for shorter periods of times, which makes the workout more effective and efficient.
- You can choose any type of activity (running, walking etc.).
- Warm up for 5-10 Minutes
- For 30-60 seconds, increase intensity by adding hills, incline resistance, speed, and/or resistance.
- Recover for at least 2 minutes by reducing intensity
- Repeat for at least 20 minutes.
Circuit Training
What is the biggest stressor in your life? Ok, your mother-in law might be on your list. But being too busy is most likely at the top.
Circuit training can be a time-saver for your workouts. You can get fit faster by combining different exercises and moving fast. The variety of exercises makes your workouts more enjoyable and keeps your mind and body active.
- Mix 8-10 exercises. You can mix compound moves like pushups and squats with cardio moves like power jacks or jogging in places.
- Each exercise should be performed one after another for between 30-60 seconds
- Continue this process for another 1-3 times
- Cool down at the end
Strength Training
Although you may not consider lifting weights a way of reducing stress, it is another type of exercise that can help you to build self-esteem and confidence. This mental and physical strength can make life easier, and it can help reduce stress.
Kickboxing
You can let stress build up and not let it go. This will make you angry and irritable enough to vent on those who aren’t worthy. Kickboxing can be a great way to let out your anger in a healthy manner while feeling powerful, in control and strong. It can also help you burn calories and increase your endurance.
Kickboxing ideas:
- Kick, Punch & Crunch
- Tracey Staehle’s Strike Zone
- Kickboxing classes can be found at your local gym or martial arts center.
- For a personal workout, put on some music and mix your kicks and punches.
Walking
Simplifying your life is a great way to reduce stress. While you may not be able quit your job or give up your children, what about your workouts? If you are overwhelmed, you don’t want to have to pack a bag and drive to the gym, or go through a boring routine.
Walking can help you reduce stress and simplify your workouts. Walking allows you to breathe in fresh air, move your body and get away from your problems.
- Wear a pair of comfortable athletic shoes
- Start walking slowly outside.
- Relax your shoulders and allow your arms to move naturally. Breathe deeply.
- Continue walking as long as possible
- Remember to return home
