Originally published September 26 2005
Americans should turn to exercise to help manage stress and anxiety
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Health experts say Hurricane Katrina may have affected people who witnessed the chaos from afar by causing stress and anxiety, and The American Council on Exercise recommends exercise to deal with these symptoms and offers some tips on how to get started.
In the wake of the recent tragedy in the Gulf Coast, health experts say many Americans not directly affected by Hurricane Katrina may experience various levels of stress from witnessing the results of the devastation from afar.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE), America's nonprofit fitness authority, says exercise can actually help relieve some of the symptoms.
"Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, has consistently been shown to be effective in helping individuals manage stress," said Dr. Cedric Bryant, chief exercise physiologist for ACE.
Exercise is one of many healthy behaviors that can help people deal with stress and is part of one of the steps to building resilience, taking care of oneself.
Following a session of exercise, clinicians have measured a decrease in electrical activity of tensed muscles.
One exercise session generates 90 to 120 minutes of relaxation response.
Some people call this post-exercise euphoria or the endorphin response.
The important thing is not what they're called, but what they do -- they improve your mood and leave you feeling more relaxed.
People who exercise regularly tend to eat more nutritious food.
And it's no secret that good nutrition helps your body manage stress better.
Now that you know exercise can make a big difference in controlling stress, make some time for regular physical activity.
In yoga or mind/body activities, your mind relaxes progressively as your body increases its amount of muscular work.
Recent studies have shown that when large muscle groups repeatedly contract and relax, the brain receives a signal to release specific neurotransmitters, which in turn make you feel relaxed and more alert.
Work-break exercises can be as simple as walking or climbing stairs, stretching or doing calisthenics at your desk.
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