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Exercising to Help Combat Stress

By: Jack Claridge - Updated: 2 Apr 2013 | comments*Discuss
 
Exercise Stress Fitness Stress

One aspect of dealing and coping with stress that many people fail to recognise is that of exercise. Exercise is as important for the mind as it is for the body and regular exercise can help to remain fit and healthy and keep stress levels down to a minimum.

Regular Workouts

A lot of us sneer at the idea of regular workouts simply because time does not allow and when we see those who can afford the time to such physical activity we invariably think those people have nothing better to do with their time. The truth is they have but in order to be mentally and physically fit for those other tasks taking the time to exercise regularly is time well spent.

A regular workout of say twenty to thirty minutes can help your heart, muscles and respiratory system as well as your mind. Exercising allows the body to take in more air which helps the lungs with send more oxygen to the brain.

Nutrition and Diet

Combined with the aforementioned workouts and exercise is diet. A lot of us who suffer from stress do so because we eat a lot of the wrong types of food; foods which are, for example, full of fat and artificial colourings and preservatives. Again it is surprising to note just how many of us are unaware of the connection between bad diet and high stress levels.

Exercise in the Work Place

Job-related stress is one of the most common stresses around and much of it is due in no small part to the amount of time we spend in the workplace. Many of us work longer hours than we should for no extra money and are often afraid to ask others around us for help in case it is misinterpreted as a sign of weakness.

It is possible to exercise in the workplace either in your tea break or lunch break or even while you are sitting at your desk. Simple neck exercises, stretching exercises and exercises involving the arms, neck back and legs can make all the difference.

Also if you are one of the many thousands of people who spend their day sitting in front of a computer screen regular breaks are essential. United Kingdom employment law states that you are allowed at least a five minute break every hour if your job involves working with a Video Display Unit (VDU).

Swimming

Swimming is another excellent form of exercise that no only helps with complete body fitness but also mental fitness as well. Swimming allows the lungs to work properly thus taking in more oxygen to send to the brain and also exercises almost every muscle in the body. You might be surprised the difference five or ten lengths a day can make to your general well being.

Exercise and Workout Classes

Wherever you live in the United Kingdom you will never be too far away from a workout class, exercise class, swimming pool or gym. Indeed many employers now offer subsidised membership to local gyms so that their staff may take advantage of facilities they might previously not have had access to.

If your employer does not offer this facility don’t worry, your local directories or leisure centre will be able to give details of all classes and activities that are open to you in your area.

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