7 WAYS EXERCISE LOWERS YOUR STRESS LEVELS

WAYS EXERCISE LOWERS YOUR STRESS LEVELS 1 REDUCED FATIGUE · Elevated stress levels take a toll on you, and can make you feel exhausted • Exercising even at a moderate intensity helps increase energy levels • Exercise can also increase alertness levels so you're more mentally awake 2 CHEMICAL RESPONSE • Exercise produces endorphins, or "feel good" chemicals that improve mood • Also releases hormones associated with cognitive function and learning abilities » You'll feel better, be more alert, and maybe even feel smarter with exercise 3 FIGHT VS. FLIGHT • Stressful situations produce both fight and flight chemicals in the body · Exercise is a good way to rid the body of these potentially harmful chemicals » Take a boxing class or jog on the treadmill to lower your stress 4 IMPROVED FOCUS • Stress can take over your mind and body, giving you repetitive thoughts · Exercise is a way to shift your focus to something positive: your wellness » You may even gain insight into stressful situations when you exercise 5 OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIALIZATION • Getting out of your he ad and being social can reduce your stress » Work out with a friend, or take a class and make a new friend » You'll be able to share your problems, and feel supported instead of stressed 6 BETTER SLEEP • Restless nights full of little or no sleep are common when you're stressed out • Exercise improves your sleep patterns and helps you stay asleep • Your muscles need to rest after exercise, contributing to a better night's sleep 7 IMPROVED ORGANIZATION » Stress is often caused by the feeling of having too much to do in too little time » Create a schedule for yourself and include gym time to keep yourself organized • Staying on task can reduce stress when you have a manageable plan in place INFOGRAPHIC PROVIDED BY: Fitness evolution FITNESS EVOLUTION SEATTLE NORTH fitness made easy www.fitnessevolutionseattlenorth.com Sources: http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety /related-illnesses/other-related-c onditions/stress/physical-activity-reduces-st http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/21/exercise-reduces-stress-levels-an xiety-cortisol_n_3307325.html http://www.active.com/fitness/articles/7-ways-exercise-relieves-stress