An Examination Of The Relationship Between Stress And Exercise

By Author: Donald Saunders
Total Articles: 84
Comment this article

It has been known for a long time that exercise is of assistance in stress relief but what is probably not quite so well known are the scientific reasons for the benefits that we get from exercise.

Exercise initiates the release of various chemicals by the brain. An excellent example is the 'endorphin high' that many runners get as the brain produces opiate-like chemicals which the body uses as natural pain killers and which has been well documented.

The human brain is also responsible for the release of a number of neuro-transmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin which have been found to have beneficial effects in elevating mood. Once again, the effect of low levels of these nero-transmitters in the body in leading to depression, anxiety and occasionally even aggression has been well documented.

As well as stimulating the brain into releasing chemicals that are of assistance in lowering stress, exercise also lowers the release of a number of chemicals that are by-products of stress. For example, when an individual finds himself under stress the sympathetic nervous system produces chemicals ...
... like cortisol and several hormones that, if left in the blood stream, may cause harm to the blood vessels and produce scaring and even a narrowing of the arteries.

Regular exercise can help in solving this particular problem in two different ways. First, exercise will make use of these compounds by breaking them down into harmless forms that are passed out of the body in the urine. Second, exercise helps to strengthen the blood vessels and gives them greater elasticity so that they are able to better withstand attack. One of the more common effects of stress is tense muscles, particularly in the shoulders, neck and calves and exercise can assist in loosen these up.

As well as this variety of chemical effects there are also various psychological benefits that can be gained from having a regular workout program. Focusing your attention on an exercise program diverts your mind from the whole variety of things that may be producing the stress in your life and it is extremely hard to concentrate your attention on those things that are worrying you and to concentrate on your workout at one and the same time.

Additionally this effect helps to give your mind a chance to create what is called homeostasis. In simple terms homeostasis 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 worries will also give this system the time to kick in.

Naturally there are several other psychological benefits that follow on from regular exercise like the confidence that can be gained from improving your general health and fitness. This is a case of 'when you look good then you frequently feel good'.

Additionally, it helps you to appreciate that you are applying effort 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 passivity that frequently go together with stress. It is very easy to find that those things in your life that are placing you under stress have become the central focus of your attention and just putting them to the back of your mind can frequently produce dramatic results.