HOW DOES EXERCISE HELP REDUCE STRESS? HERE’S WHAT SCIENCE HAS TO SAY ABOUT YOUR BODY AND STRESS
Exercise is critical to your body’s health — especially when you’re stressed. Wait a second , you might be thinking: The reason why I’m stressed is because I don’t have time for exercise. Don’t worry! And don’t be too hard on yourself, either. Even the little things you do, like taking an extra flight of stairs or making multiple trips between the kitchen and the groceries in your car, can add up toward achieving a happier balance with your body and your stress levels. Here’s what you can accomplish by adding a little more exercise into your routine.
effects, and positively influence your cardiovascular, digestive, and immune system responses.
BREAK YOUR STRESS PATTERN ANYWHERE
If you don’t have time to take a run or ride your bike, it’s possible to use another type of exercise to relax your body: autoregulation exercises. These are designed to “replace the spiral of stress with a cycle of repose,” says the Harvard Medical School. It’s possible to use your mind to relax your body, which will in turn force your body into a state of calm and control. One way of doing this is breathing in slowly and deeply, pushing your stomach out while you do so. Hold for three to five seconds each time you breathe in and out. Always inhale and exhale slowly and as deep as you can. At M3 PT, we see every day how exercise in every form can transform a patient’s life. If you have any questions about the right exercises for you and your lifestyle, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert therapists. We’re more than happy to help!
ADD ENDORPHINS TO YOUR DAY
Physical activity not only makes you feel better, but it can make you feel happier, too. The “runner’s high” isn’t exclusive to runners — any aerobic activity can stir the production of endorphins that encourage you to stay in shape. From playing tennis to riding your bike to taking a nature hike, you can increase your daily joy with a little more exercise.
REDUCE THE EFFECTS OF YOUR STRESS
Do you feel a bit more tense lately? Physical activity will actually relieve stress from your body. Exercise may imitate some effects of stress, like your flight-or-fight response, but it’ll help your body work through those
CLASSIC PUMPKIN SOUP
TAKE A BREAK
INGREDIENTS
• 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 shallots, diced • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 2 1/4 cups pumpkin purée (homemade or canned) • 2 cups vegetable broth • 1 cup canned light coconut milk
• 2 tbsp honey • 1/4 tsp sea salt • 1/4 tsp pepper • 1/4 tsp cinnamon • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, sauté olive oil, shallots, and garlic for 2–3 minutes. 2. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. 3. Transfer the soup to a blender and purée. Pour the blended soup back into the pan. 4. Cook over medium-low heat for 5–10 minutes. Taste and add additional seasoning as desired, then serve!
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