As stress becomes an inevitable part of our lives, we must fight to combat feelings of stress and anxiety in order to maintain our mental health. Instead of jumping to unhealthy habits such as binging on junk food, turn to a cardio workout instead and feel your stress fade away one run at a time.
Cardio exercises are an effective way to reduce all the tension you are surrounded by and boost your heart health in the process. Cardio gets the heart rate up and works to build a strong heart that can protect you from heart attacks and strokes.
The feel-good hormones that come with a cardio workout are effective in promoting a happier mindset and push away all the negative thoughts you might be clouding your head with. A tense mindset not only keeps you from enjoying your life but can also affect your ability to sleep through the night.
Exercise is also known to relax the muscles by getting rid of any unwanted stress that can manifest in the body, causing headaches and other health problems. Not to mention, cardio exercises can be fun, and paired with a group of friends, a great way to socialize and strengthen relationships that further promote overall well-being.
Cardio Workouts to Reduce Stress
Here are 5 cardio exercises that will not only keep you in top physical health but help you live a stress-free life that you deserve.
1. Running
Put on your favorite pair of sneakers and head out for a run around the lake or in your neighborhood. The “runner’s high” you get after a run will leave you feeling good and keep your spirits lifted for an extended period of time.
The feel-good hormones released during and after running can promote a happier mood and the mental benefits that come from running can be extremely effective for people who suffer from depression and anxiety.
Running is also one of the best exercises for your health. You reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, curb your food cravings, and burn a ton of calories simply by going on a run.
2. Walking
Similar to running, walking can clear your mind from stress and any other factors that are causing you tension. Walking is not only simple to do, but it is easy on the joints, therefore, making this cardio exercise extremely beneficial for people who have injured their knees or other joints that have put them on a hiatus from working out.
A subtle way to burn fat, boost metabolism, and help you stay in shape, walking provides a breath of fresh air and a change of scenery that can help to refresh and rejuvenate the mind.
3. Basketball
Get your favorite people together and play a game of basketball tonight. Social interaction is effective in reducing stress and strengthens important relationships that give you happiness and joy.
Basketball requires a lot of running around, leaving you with a “runner’s high” that helps you feel good and promotes a stress-free mind. All that running back and forth will not only get your heart rate up but will also tone your entire physique and leave you looking and feeling great.
4. HIIT
High-intensity interval training or HIIT is easy to fit into your busy schedule and is a quick way to get your workout in and help you de-stress after a long day of work. HIIT workouts will boost your cardiovascular health and release feel-good endorphins that keep your mind fueled with positivity.
Not to mention, there are added benefits of weight loss and time efficiency that come with HIIT. It’s the perfect, go-to exercise for the busy person.
5. Swimming
Sometimes, all you need to do is jump into a pool and allow yourself to swim away from all your troubles. Swimming is an excellent exercise to get your cardio in and give your mental health a little boost.
Studies have shown that professional swimmers and other individuals who practice swimming regularly experience reduced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. Swimming brings an improved mood from the release of feel-good endorphins and maintains one’s overall fitness levels.
Additionally, swimming is gentle on the joints and promotes healthy blood flow throughout the body and the brain, thus enabling the individual to enjoy a good night’s sleep.
Make sure to drink lots of water to stay hydrated and put on some natural sunscreen if you are planning to exercise outdoors.
The content of this Website is for is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References:
These Are the Best Exercises for Anxiety and Depression. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.health.com/depression/these-are-the-best-exercises-for-anxiety-and-depression
F. (n.d.). The best kinds of exercise for lowering your stress – Stress relieving workouts. Retrieved from https://www.fitnessblender.com/articles/the-best-kinds-of-exercise-for-lowering-your-stress-stress-relieving-workouts
Fight and reduce your stress now with cardio exercise. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.lifetoliveit.com/fight-and-reduce-your-stress-now-with-cardio-exercise/
Waehner, P. (n.d.). The Best Ways to Exercise Your Stress Away. Retrieved from https://www.verywellfit.com/workouts-for-stress-relief-1231003
How Does Cardio De-Stress? Let Us Count the Ways. (2017, July 17). Retrieved from https://www.mydomaine.com/how-does-cardio-de-stress
