Managing Stress Through Exercise: Benefits of Physical Activity
Need to Know
Issue No. 5: Stressed Out!
Words - Diana McDonnell, DNP
Illustration - ALEXANDRA FOLINO
Physical activity can be an important stress reliever. Regular physical activity can reduce symptoms of anxiety and also improve your overall physical health and wellbeing.
Whether it is aerobic exercise such as running or swimming, or resistance training such as weight-lifting, exercise can provide a range of physical health benefits related to reducing stress.
For example, research shows that yoga can improve the regulation of your sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which is the system that is activated when you have physical or psychological stress.
What’s the best exercise to reduce stress?
The ideal physical activity to reduce stress varies by person, so choose an activity, duration, and frequency that works for you based on your interests and your physical ability. Remember, exercise doesn’t need to be strenuous in order to provide stress relief.
Stress exercises to try:
