Help ward off stress with these activities.
Did you know April is Stress Awareness Month? It’s a great time to look inwards at how stress may be affecting our own physical and mental health. In the United States alone, more than 75% of adults have reported experiencing physical and psychological symptoms due to stress.
There are a lot of different habits for managing stress, and one important part of that is physical activity. Talk to your doctor about stress management techniques and ask them if adding more physical activity is a good idea for you.
If you get the ok from your doctor to add more movement in your everyday life, remember, exercises to help reduce stress don’t have to be boring! They can be a fun and fulfilling part of your workout routine. Check out these eight ideas for stress-fighting activities:
- Yoga or Pilates
- Martial arts
- Swimming
- Team sports
- Bike riding
- Walking or jogging
- Interval training
- Dancing
Let’s get moving and learn about the benefits of these exercises to reduce stress below.
Yoga or pilates
Yoga and pilates are two forms of mindful exercise that are both based on controlled movement, stretching, and intentional breathing. Both offer many physical and mental benefits, like increasing your body’s flexibility and strength. And when you’re focusing on your breath and body movement, it helps draw your focus away from stress-inducing thoughts.
Martial arts
Martial arts such as karate, jujitsu, and taekwondo are excellent forms of physical activity that typically incorporate mindfulness and meditation techniques to help you process emotions like stress. The focus and discipline required in martial arts training can promote a sense of control and empowerment, while the social aspect of martial arts training can loop you into a supportive community. If you’re less interested in fighting-focused options, look into tai chi — it’s probably the gentlest form of martial arts!
Swimming
If you’re looking for a full-body workout that feels relaxing and easy on the joints, swimming is the perfect option. The weightlessness of the water helps take the pressure off your joints and muscles, while the rhythmic and repetitive motion of swimming can be meditative. Many people also find that cool water and the sounds of the pool or ocean can be soothing, helping to calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
Team sports
Participating in competitive sports can be a great way to reduce stress. Not only does it require skill, focus, and concentration, but it also encourages people to communicate and work as a team, building camaraderie and friendship. (Having strong social connections comes with health benefits too!) Plus, it’s a great way to push yourself to be physically active and stay motivated.
Thanks to all these factors, one study showed that team sports might be the best form of exercise for stress relief! See if you can find a local group for tennis, pickleball, or another sport of your choice.
Bike riding
Dust off your old bicycle and take it in for a tune-up! Cycling gives you an opportunity to get out into the fresh air, and it’s a low-impact cardio activity that gets your blood pumping. If you’re new to riding a bike for exercise, check out our quick-start cycling guide. We have tips on choosing a bike to buy, getting safety equipment, finding bike trails, maintaining your bicycle, and more. Riding a bike is shown to be one of the best exercises for mental health!
Walking or jogging
Walking or jogging is an excellent form of exercise for people who want to reduce their stress levels. Aside from being a good form of aerobic activity, it’s also an activity that can be done in almost any location. You could take a walk or jog around your block, in a local park, or on a nature trail. Check out our tips for starting a walking routine (which can also be applied to jogging).
Interval training
If you’re looking for a more intense workout, interval training can be one of the most effective exercises to reduce stress. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a form of exercise that involves short bursts of intense activity followed by brief periods of rest. It’s a great option for releasing a lot of pent-up energy and sweating the stress away!
Dancing
Dancing is a great way to relieve stress since it has physical, mental, and even emotional components. It gets your body moving and grooving as you connect with the music and the people around you. (Solo dance parties in your house are also great, of course!) Check out these six kinds of dance that also double as great exercises.
Experiencing a lot of stress can feel overwhelming and discouraging, but the right exercises and activities will help you manage it more effectively. Try some of these activities to see which exercises to reduce stress work best for you! In addition to finding a workout you love, make a habit of these other stress-relieving activities for adults too!
