5 Physical Activities that Will Help Manage Stress

 

Most forms of exercise or movement can increase your fitness level while decreasing your stress. The most important thing is to pick an activity that you enjoy.  If your not sure of what activities you might enjoy, here is a list of five popular activities.

 

 1. Boxing

When boxing, you’re engaged and not in your head. Boxing makes you completely focused on the power behind your punches and the technique used for every combo. It clears your mind and leaves you feeling much calmer than you were before your workout.

 2. Sex

Sex can help you to relax, and take your mind off everyday stress and anxieties. During sex your body releases endorphins (which is your body's natural painkillers) and Oxytocin (which is a hormone that acts on organs in the body and as a chemical messenger in the brain, controlling key aspects of the reproductive system). These two hormones create feelings of relaxation and intimacy, as well as helping you with anxiety and depression.

 

 

3. Dancing

Dancing regularly can help you improve your mood and concentration skills. When we dance, our bodies release endorphins, which help us feel happy, enhance our pleasure, and reduce pain. Endorphins are our body’s natural painkillers that help reduce stress and improve our focus. After a good workout, our body feels calm and relaxed – all thanks to endorphins. And who’s to say that dancing isn’t a workout.

 

 

 4. Walking Dogs

 If you are a dog lover, spending time with your pet can be a powerful cure for stress. Being around a dog can lower your stress hormone cortisol. The effect is so strong that service dogs are sometimes used to help war veterans manage PTSD. So when you combine dogs and walking, you’ve got the stress remedy.

 

 5. Lawn Care

 Mowing the lawn can help you relieve stress. Researchers have found that there is a  chemical released by freshly mowed grass can help people relax and make them cheerful.

 

 

 

5 Places that Will Help with Stress, Anxiety and Depression

If you’re living with high levels of stress, you’re putting your entire well-being at risk. Stress wreaks havoc on your emotional, as well as your physical health. It narrows your ability to think clearly, function effectively, and enjoy life. Sometimes your stress and anxiety can be very overwhelming. There might come a time when you need help managing your stress and anxiety. But where do you turn to for help?. There are many options for help.

 

 

 

1. Your Doctor's Office  

Start with your family doctor when look for help. Your primary care doctors can help you with stress, anxiety and depression. Your family doctor can talk to you about your mental health and prescribe medication if they feel comfortable doing so. If not, they can provide you with the names of doctors in your area who can help.

 

 

2. Your Support Group

If you go to a support groups you can to talk other people who understand what you are going through. Support groups can help reduce your feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Support groups are an important part of coping and overcoming problems. Look up a support group in your area.

 

3. Your Church

Go to your church or find a church. Your Pastor can also help you with feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Some churches even provide counselors. If you belong to a church, call the church office and ask if they provide pastoral or faith-based counseling services. Churches can make you feel more comfortable with counseling that incorporates their religion into treatment.

 

 

4. Your Health Insurance Company

If you have health insurance, call the number on your insurance card. The staff at the insurance company can look up the appropriate health professional to manage a crisis and provide ongoing treatment or short-term help.

 

 5. Anxiety and Depression Association of America

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) is an international organization that works to improve the quality of life of people living with anxiety and depression disorders. They provide a therapist directory, support group listings, and information about the disorders and self-help strategies. You can reach them through their website or by calling 240-485-1035.