An Examination Of The Link Between Stress And Exercise - By: Don Saunders

It has been known for some time that exercise can help in relieving stress but what is perhaps far less well known are the scientific reasons for the benefits of exercise.

Exercise triggers the release of several chemicals by the brain. An excellent example of this is the 'endorphin high' that many runners experience as the brain produces 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 numerous neuro-transmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine all of which have been shown to be beneficial as mood elevators. Once again, the effect of low levels of these in the body in producing anxiety, depression and occasionally even aggression has been well documented.

In addition to stimulating the brain into releasing chemicals which are of assistance in reducing stress, exercise also reduces the release of various chemicals which are by-products of stress. For example, if a person is under stress the body's sympathetic nervous system produces chemicals such as cortisol and a variety of hormones that, if allowed to accumulate in the blood, can cause harm to the blood vessels and result in scaring and even a narrowing of the arteries.

Exercise can help in solving this problem in two different ways. First, exercise will actually make use of these compounds by breaking them down into harmless forms which can be passed out in the urine. Second, a good workout assists in strengthening the blood vessels and gives them increased elasticity so that they are able to better resist attack. One of the more frequently seen results of stress is tense muscles, especially in the neck, shoulders and calves and exercise will assist in loosen these.

In addition to these chemical effects there are also a number of psychological benefits that can be derived from having a regular exercise routine. Concentrating your attention on a workout routine takes your mind away from the whole variety of things that could be producing the stress in your life and it is very hard to focus your attention on the things which are worrying you and to focus on your exercise routine at the same time.

This effect also helps to give your mind the chance to bring about what is known as homeostasis. Put simply this is one of the body's feedback mechanisms that works to return your body to a state of equilibrium and strenuous exercise that takes your mind off your problems also allows this system the time to kick in.

Of course there are a variety of other psychological benefits that result from a regular workout such as the confidence which can be gained from simply improving your overall health and fitness. Here it is a case of 'if you look good then you usually feel good'.

In addition, it is helpful to appreciate that you are exerting effort in order to improve your body and mind and that you are doing something which is positive rather than merely giving in to the feelings of helplessness and the resultant passivity which generally accompany stress. It is all too easy to find that those things in your life that are causing you stress become the main focus of your attention and just relegating them to the back of your mind will generally produce dramatic results.

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