A new study has shown what a lot of people already know; physical activity and exercise is good for mental health. In particular, symptoms of worry have been shown to reduce after a person undertakes a physical activity program.
So help to improve your state of mind and become more active: go to the gym, participate in a fitness class, or just go for a brisk walk around your neighbourhood.
For more information about the study, click here
For suggestions on ways to get more physically active visit
www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au
Showing posts with label physical exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label physical exercise. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Seven Great Ways to Start Your Day!
1. Put on some music
Music therapy has been shown to reduce stress and have a positive effect on health. But you don’t need a therapist to enjoy some of the benefits music has to offer. Listening to music as you get ready to start your day will create positive energy and a soothing sense of peace (or a sense of fun, if you play party music). Music can compliment other healthy habits adding a sense of peace to a yoga workout, putting a spring in your step on a morning walk, or stimulating your mind as you write in your journal.
2. Stretch in the Shower
The hot water will loosen up your muscles, so it’s easier to get a good stretch. The act of stretching will help release stored tension and enable you to start the day feeling more relaxed, at peace, and ready to handle what comes your way.
3. Eat a Balanced Breakfast
For those of you who start the day on coffee, read this! Breakfast is known as ‘the most important meal of the day’ for a very good reason: a healthy meal in the morning can balance your blood sugar levels and give you the sustenance you need to handle physical and mental stress. Without it , you will be less resilient, both physically and mentally, Be sure to have plenty of protein and fruit, not just caffeine and empty calories!
4. Drink Green Tea
Sipping a warm cup of tea is a soothing activity that will help you prepare for the day ahead and feel nurtured. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants, so it’s a delicious and healthy choice.
5. Write in Your Journal
Journal writing has many health and stress management benefits, and can also lead to increased self awareness. Writing once a day can help you feel focused, process negative emotions and solve problems.
6. Morning walk
Walking has so many health benefits, the stress management benefits are practically just gravy! A morning walk can get you ready for your day, help you sleep better at night, lower your stress level, and reduce your risk of numerous health conditions. And if you bring a dog with you, you’ll be lavished with attention as well!
7. Yoga
For a healthy body and peaceful mind, few activities give as much ‘bang for our buck’ as yoga. Combing all the goodness of several stress management techniques such as diaphragmic breathing, meditation, stretching and more, yoga provides some of the best stress management and health benefits you can find in a single technique. A good way to start your morning is by doing a series of yoga poses call Sun Salutations.
Music therapy has been shown to reduce stress and have a positive effect on health. But you don’t need a therapist to enjoy some of the benefits music has to offer. Listening to music as you get ready to start your day will create positive energy and a soothing sense of peace (or a sense of fun, if you play party music). Music can compliment other healthy habits adding a sense of peace to a yoga workout, putting a spring in your step on a morning walk, or stimulating your mind as you write in your journal.
2. Stretch in the Shower
The hot water will loosen up your muscles, so it’s easier to get a good stretch. The act of stretching will help release stored tension and enable you to start the day feeling more relaxed, at peace, and ready to handle what comes your way.
3. Eat a Balanced Breakfast
For those of you who start the day on coffee, read this! Breakfast is known as ‘the most important meal of the day’ for a very good reason: a healthy meal in the morning can balance your blood sugar levels and give you the sustenance you need to handle physical and mental stress. Without it , you will be less resilient, both physically and mentally, Be sure to have plenty of protein and fruit, not just caffeine and empty calories!
4. Drink Green Tea
Sipping a warm cup of tea is a soothing activity that will help you prepare for the day ahead and feel nurtured. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants, so it’s a delicious and healthy choice.
5. Write in Your Journal
Journal writing has many health and stress management benefits, and can also lead to increased self awareness. Writing once a day can help you feel focused, process negative emotions and solve problems.
6. Morning walk
Walking has so many health benefits, the stress management benefits are practically just gravy! A morning walk can get you ready for your day, help you sleep better at night, lower your stress level, and reduce your risk of numerous health conditions. And if you bring a dog with you, you’ll be lavished with attention as well!
7. Yoga
For a healthy body and peaceful mind, few activities give as much ‘bang for our buck’ as yoga. Combing all the goodness of several stress management techniques such as diaphragmic breathing, meditation, stretching and more, yoga provides some of the best stress management and health benefits you can find in a single technique. A good way to start your morning is by doing a series of yoga poses call Sun Salutations.
Physical Exercise
Physical exercise is extremely important for people who live with high levels of anxiety as it can directly release the build up of tension in the muscles from turning on the anxiety response. Do you exercise? Think about how you feel when you do, and how you feel when you don't. It is important to try and make exercise a regular part of your life. Exercise, when used in conjunction with other therapies, will more than likely bring you wonderful benefits in helping to manage, reduce and eliminate unwanted anxiety from your life.
SOME GOOD REASONS FOR EXERCISING INCLUDE:
People often report that they feel good after exercising, LESS stressed, anxious or depressed.
Exercise triggers feelings of calmness or happiness from a few minutes to hours afterwards.
Regular exercise boosts physical fitness and helps control weight, which in turn affects self esteem.
It helps regulate sleep cycles - leaving you feeling more rested and more energetic.
Increases energy levels and therefore you are better prepared to tackle the day.
People who exercise usually make healthier nutrition choices.
Helps increase concentration and mental alertness.
Exercise is nurturing to body and mind.
It can give you a sense of accomplishment.
It can aid in taking your mind off your worries by giving you something else to focus on.
Decreases excess adrenaline in the bloodstream (it’s presence can keep you in a state of arousal and vigilance)
Improves circulation, digestion, utilisation of food and elimination processes.
Decreases cholesterol, blood pressure and weight.
As you can see, there are many benefits of exercising. To maximise its effect for mood enhancement and decreasing anxiety, the following objectives are encouraged.
1. It is recommended to exercise approximately 4-5 x a week.
2. Variety helps to maintain interest.
3. Make it fun!!
4. Aerobic activity has been reported to be more beneficial.
Start slowly and build up if you haven’t exercised for a while, or ask a friend or relative to help motivate you. Overall, it shows that physical activity is good for the mind, body and spirit. If you’re not exercising on a regular basis, you might be missing out on an easy, inexpensive and safe way to help cope with stress, anxiety and worry. As well as reducing muscle tension exercise can also enhance your mood and enjoyment of life.
The information above has been provided by Janet Schloss, a qualified Naturopath and Nutritionist from Brisbane, Australia.
From Anxiety Network Australia - http://www.anxietynetwork.com.au/
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