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by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner
It’s National Stress Awareness Month. Each of us is probably plenty aware of stress. Despite its association with a busy, successful life, we need to manage it for our health …
Stress is a hallmark of today’s society. It’s something we wear proudly in the crease on our foreheads and the hurried look in our eyes. Somehow it signifies our importance in a world gone mad with outdoing and overdoing—in everything from our careers to Pinterest-worthy parties.
It is time to acknowledge stress for the negative impact it has on our health. Often named as the most frequently diagnosed mental health issue, stress needs to be managed. No, this will not diminish your superpowers. Rather, it will hone them. With stress managed, you may accomplish more with less effort. How Zen is that.
Fitness usually invokes images of strenuous movement, sweat, and exertion. However, there are ways to get in shape through a different approach. This involves conditioning the mind. Empower your body to fight stress through nurturing workouts.
T’ai Chi
World T’ai Chi & Qigong Day is annually held the last Saturday of April, which means April 28 this year. This flowing form of exercise was originally created as a method for self-defense. Our modern world uses it to reduce anxiety and stress through its signature meditation-in-motion exercises. A day-long celebration by over 80 nations cannot be wrong!
Serenity is achieved through gentle, flowing movements. There are over 100 different ones to be skillfully developed over a lifetime. These rhythmic movements are coordinated with breathing to promote a calm mind while improving balance, flexibility, and coordination. Hence, T’ai Chi’s ability to simultaneously improve aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and mood.
Potential health benefits of T’ai Chi include a stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, and improved sleep quality. These could be directly related to its stress-relieving qualities. Also, there is research indicating it may lessen the symptoms of congestive heart failure, improve joint pain, and reduce risk of falls.
The Center offers T’ai Chi class options, which allow its beautiful social aspect. A group of individuals are joined together to execute graceful movements reminiscent of ancient Chinese warriors. Stiff muscles and joints, and pesky annoyances, are an ongoing occurrence in life. Ask an instructor for a quick five-minute program you can perform throughout your day to release stress before it builds up. We all know what an ounce of prevention is worth!
If you aren’t in the mood for martial arts (however mild and transformed) with your stress-relief, consider these other soothing fitness options.
Yoga
Yoga’s popularity shines at every turn, bend, and stretch. The yogi philosophy is trending in everything from home décor to magazines. To accommodate the demand, the Center offers a variety of Yoga classes. The latest fusion classes mix yoga with other types of exercise. Yogalates, for example, is a combination of yoga and Pilates.
Yoga is similar to T’ai Chi in its focus on breath and mindfulness. However, T’ai Chi places more emphasis on the mental component. Yoga focuses on stillness once a pose (asana) is accomplished; T’ai Chi is constant motion.
Pilates
Based on a series of movements that train the body’s core, Pilates is also known for its benefits to mental health. Precision and technique are critical throughout this workout, which demands mindfulness—awareness of muscles engaged, positioning, and coordinated breath. Mind engagement is essential for success, which attributes to its ability to release stress and negative thoughts.
Along with sculpted muscles, improved core strength, and flexibility, Pilates often leaves practitioners with a renewed sense of well-being.
Alternatives
When stress has you amped up, sometimes only a fierce workout will do. Some physical exertion in the form of kickboxing, weightlifting, and other high-energy exercises helps tackle the stress monster within. Plus, while burning off stress, a bunch of calories will be torched with it.
When you work out mindfully, any type of exercise helps reduce stress. Continue to bring wandering thoughts back to the execution of your movements. Sweat out your frustrations, fears, and negativity. Envision feel-good hormones being released throughout your body.
Exercise cannot eliminate stress. Stress is a reality of life. However, when managed properly, stress can challenge us to evolve and become more skilled at healthy living. The right workout cleanses the mind, allowing you not only to manage stress but to power it to your advantage.
Sources
Webmd.com
