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Reduce stress: fit fitness into your life
by Amy
Scholten, MPH
Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, is
one of the best ways to reduce stress. This type of exercise can:
- strengthen your heart and
lungs
- help you control your weight
- improve physical appearance
- enhance self-confidence and
self-esteem
- elevate your mood and help
ward off depression
- improve the quality of your
sleep
- reduce stress reactivity
- improve your ability to
concentrate
Aerobic exercise produces and sustains cardiovascular
elevation for 15 to 30 minutes, three to four times a week. For optimal
fitness and stress management, 20 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise three
to five times per week is recommended. Examples of aerobic exercise
include brisk walking, running, swimming, in-line skating, biking, and
cross-country skiing.
Tips for beginning an exercise program
Please note: if you're thirty-five or older, or have
heart problems, high blood pressure, or other medical conditions, you
should seek your health care provider's approval before beginning an
exercise program
Starting and sticking to a regular exercise program can be
a challenge. Here are some things you can do to avoid becoming a fitness
program dropout:
- Find out what works for you
and make it fun. What would be the most enjoyable type of exercise for
you? Do you enjoy competitive sports? Walking with a friend? In-line
skating? Using exercise equipment? Do you have more fun exercising
with a friend, a group, or by yourself? Do you like to listen to music
while you exercise?
- If you haven't been exercising
regularly, start slowly. Try 10 to 15 minutes of aerobic exercise
twice a week and increase from there.
- Plan for your workouts and
make them a priority Schedule them in your calendar.
- Consider finding a workout
partner or role model who can help keep you motivated.
- If you miss a few days of
exercise, don't quit! Just go back to your routine and eventually it
will become a habit.
Making it work
Perhaps it seems that you're too busy with work and family
and don't have any time or opportunities to be active. But with a little
creativity, you can find ways to work activity into your day.
At work
Wear comfortable clothes and keep a pair of
comfortable walking or running shoes in your car or office.
Create opportunities to walk by parking further from the office or by
getting off the train or bus one stop earlier.Take the stairs
instead of the elevator. Instead of using the phone or e-mail, stroll over
to see your co-worker in person. Use break times or part of your lunch
hour to take a walk. If you go out to lunch, park several blocks away from
the restaurant.
Before or after work
Exercise is a great way to start off the day feeling
energized, especially if you feel too tired to work out when you get home
from work. Or try exercising after work to relieve the stress and tensions
that can build up during the day. Family bonding and exercise come
together when you take walks or play with your kids in the evening.
At home
What do you do with your free time? Again, you can
incorporate physical activity into your other social and household
activities. Take up dancing. Take your family on a hike, play frisbee in
the park, or go to the zoo. Schedule regular walks with your family on
weekends and while you're doing errands. If possible, walk to your
church, synagogue, or other place of worship.
Doing household chores is a great way to get moderate
physical activity while tidying up. Scrub the bathtub, sweep the floor,
wash the windows, and reorganize your closet. If you want some fresh air
and sunshine but don't feel like sitting around, mow the grass, trim the
bushes, work in your garden, or wash the car.
Whether at work or home, when you're feeling stressed,
even a few minutes of exercise can provide some relief. Get up and take a
walk to clear your head. Walk up and down the stairs.Get away from that
tense or tedious situation. Taking a few breaks during hectic days can
enhance your well-being.
ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE EMAIL THE MODERATORS
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