Animal Insting

Relieving Stress by Exercise


Often, you underestimate the power of things that are easiest to do, and are within your reach. Exercise: you were perhaps enthusiastic about it in your college days, and then, as is mostly the case, you abandoned it for more important matters, you did not have enough time for it…

..And with it you also left behind a way that could help you tide over the tensions of your life: which is, relieving stress by exercise.

Exercise reduces the stress causing hormones – like cortisol and norepinephrine. You might be familiar with the term ‘runner’s high’ – the feeling of well being and exhilaration which comes after a rigorous physical activity. This is caused by the secretion of endorphins, the morphine-like hormones, which create a feeling of elation, and help reduce pain. Some other chemicals like dopamine and serotonin are released in the brain. These give a feeling of safety and security. Exercise is also seen as an effective treatment strategy for depression and anxiety


The actual way these chemicals work in promoting a feeling of euphoria is debated, but it is certain that doing exercise has a mood elevating quality. After 20 to 30 minutes of rigorous exercise you start feeling its effects. If you practice it 3 to 5 times a week, these good feelings will persist for longer periods.


When you are going through periods of tension and stress, negative emotions like irritability and anger are indeed hard to control. During periods like these, any kind of rigorous exercise can help in calming you. It is a good way to release pent up frustrations and negativity. Whether it is Yoga, aerobics, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, walking or jogging, exercise helps in releasing anger.