April is National Stress Awareness Month. You know what helps stress? Exercise! Come on, you knew we were going to say that. But seriously here’s just a few way exercise helps:

*It gets your endorphins going – other wise known as the feel-good neurotransmitters. It also reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.

*Focusing on your workout for many is a form of meditation because it helps take your mind of your current irritations, releases tension, and gives you energy. Plus, a good workout can provide a sense of accomplishment and optimism.

*Exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety, even after the workout is over, according to a study from the University of Maryland. (Read about the study here.) Another study found that those who got regular vigorous exercise were 25 percent less likely to develop depression or an anxiety disorder over the next five years.

*Aerobic exercise has been shown to improve improve sleep. Sleeping helps your brain function properly, making decisions easier, and gives you more energy to get through your day. In other words… it makes your day less stressful!

*Feeling too tired to get good run in? Yoga has great benefits when it comes to stress too! It’s been shown that the breathing exercises in yoga can help you learn to control your breathing, and return your body’s nervous system back to its normal, rest and relaxed state.

What’s your favorite workout to relieve stress?

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