Smile, take a breath and begin slowly...
Regular exercise helps our body respond better to all of its roles, because it has the unique ability to give us liveliness and vigilance as well as relaxation and calmness.
The secret lies in the fact that our body during the exercise has the same reactions as when under stress (increased heart-rate, muscle tightness, faster breathing, sweating) but this process in now under our control and we can increase and decrease the intensity at will. It's not the same as stress, where the symptoms arise autonomically and often we cannot regulate them. As soon as an exercise regime is completed the relaxation of the muscles provides relaxation to our body to tranquility to our mood.
Because of chemistry ...
Regular exercise helps reduce adrenaline and cortisol levels (the stress hormones). By reducing these two substances, we restore and maintain calmness in body and spirit. In addition, exercise releases endorphins. Endorphins are brain neurotransmitters responsible for good mood. By introducing a simple form of exercise into our lives, we become happier!
Focusing attention…
Exercise requires focusing. Whilst exercising, our mind is focused on the specific activity, even if we do not understand it or do it purposely. This allows the mind to enter a state of relaxation -even meditation, which helps us escape our ongoing focus on negative situations and problems.
Sweet dreams…
Studies have shown that exercise is amid the most effective ways of coping with insomnia and gives us a one more tranquil and restful sleep, because it allows us to release excess body energy (which is often the cause of not sleep well) and fall into a deep and relaxing sleep state.
Exercise brings us closer to body and mental well-being and protects us from the unpleasant consequences of anxiety and depression. The inclusion of an exercise regime in our daily lives is a gift we can give ourselves today!