Stress is an unavoidable part of our busy lives and thriving careers and while we can’t oust it from our lives completely we can certainly learn how to beat stress.
There are plenty of well-known techniques that can help us to cope with stress, but the one that comes out as the frontrunner is exercise. Physical activity as a means of beating stress is recommended by most healthcare professionals who encourage us to stay physically active.
If hitting the gym or going for a run doesn’t float your boat (although these are great ways to de-stress), you can still partake in an active hobby and find something that you enjoy. Find what works for you.
If you are looking for something new, here are some active options that will help you beat stress:
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Canoeing
- Cricket
- Cycling
- Dance Classes
- Football
- Golf
- Gym
- Hiking
- Horse Riding
- Jogging
- Netball
- Power walking
- Rock Climbing
- Running
- Sailing
- Skiing/Snowboarding
- Squash
- Swimming
- Taekwondo
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Walking a dog
Research shows that exercise is not only an excellent stress-buster but is also very effective at reducing tiredness, decreasing overall levels of tension and even improving sleep and self-esteem.
As little as five minutes of aerobic exercise can stimulate anti-anxiety effects and reduce stress levels, so why not get active, have fun and reduce your stress levels all in one!