Why is sport good for stress?
It's no longer a secret, sport is one of the best stress relievers there is. What's more liberating than a run or a boxing session after a long day at work? For many, intense workouts are a way to wake up the body and clear the head, and not just for athletes. For others, however, and in particular for people subject to chronic stress , too much physical activity can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. The culprit: a hormone called cortisol. You may know it as one of our “ stress hormones”. And although cortisol plays a crucial role in the body , chronically high cortisol levels are associated with problems with anxiety , sleep , and digestion . Here are some tips for practicing beneficial sports:
Reduce the frequency of workouts
Although high-intensity sports have many benefits for weight loss and muscle mass gain, it is not recommended to practice them daily. High-intensity exercise should be limited to two or three times per week, especially for those who have other health conditions with an emotional component such as anxiety disorders, nervousness , autoimmune problems or disorders. digestive. The additional stress caused by intense sport can in some people accentuate their symptoms and cause certain tensions.
Get enough rest
Not only is it important to take breaks during exercise, but it is essential to get enough sleep to allow recovery from strenuous exercise and avoid overtraining syndrome. Make sure you get plenty of sleep, especially on days you work out. Interestingly, one of the symptoms of overtraining is sleep disruption, so if you're feeling restless and having difficulty sleeping through the night, you may want to reconsider the intensity of your program training. Try breathing exercises, cardio activities a few minutes before bed, this will help you fall asleep more easily by relaxing all your muscles. A real shot of well-being!
Which sport for stress, anxiety and depression?
Adopt a cortisol-conscious activity
If you can't live without your daily activity, there are activities that can help modulate your cortisol levels and reduce your stress levels. Yoga or pilates, which require you to be fully aware of your movements and their effects on your body , help reduce the effects of stress by reducing not only cortisol, but also other markers of stress such as blood pressure. or heart rate.
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