Working Out to Relieve Stress

a couple walking down a city street — Video: Move More To Reduce Stress

Stressed out? You’re not alone.

Everyone experiences stress at one time or another, and stress affects all of us in different ways. But this much is true for everyone: Regular exercise reduces the harmful effects of stress.

But let’s start with this question:

What effect can chronic stress have on your health?

Stress sets off a chain of events. The body reacts to it by releasing a hormone, adrenaline, that temporarily causes your breathing and heart rate to speed up and your blood pressure to rise. When stress is constant, or chronic, your body remains in high gear off and on for days or weeks at a time.

Chronic stress can take a physical toll on you. It can weaken your immune system and cause uncomfortable physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach problems. Stress affects the body in many ways.

Can stress lead to anxiety or depression?

Yes. Stress can affect the body and mind.

For instance, you may have physical signs (such as headaches, tense or sore muscles or trouble sleeping), emotional signs (such as feeling anxious or depressed), or both. Stress can make you feel cranky, forgetful or out of control.

The mental health implications of stress also may be felt acutely by some groups, who are already more at risk for anxiety or depression. Women, for instance, are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression compared to men. And less than one in three Blacks in the U.S. who need mental health treatment receive it.

There are lots of reasons to manage stress – especially the emotional and mental health benefits of dealing with stress.

Does chronic stress cause high blood pressure or heart disease?

The complete picture for how stress contributes to cardiovascular disease is not entirely clear. However, stress can lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices that are associated with high blood pressure and heart disease. While the exact causes of high blood pressure are unknown, contributing factors include being overweight, eating too much sodium (salt), lack of physical activity and drinking too much alcohol.

How can being more active help?

Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, walking, can improve your quality of life relieve stress, tension, anxiety and depression. You may notice a “feel good” sensation immediately following your workout. You also may see an improvement in overall well-being over time as physical activity becomes a regular part of your life.