 Beating the Stress
by Janani Amarasekara
Stress comes to our life in
different forms. Sometimes it can be a blessing in disguise, especially
when there are examinations around. The correct amount of stress helps
our body to release some chemicals which makes us do the needful at that
moment. However, when the stress level increases to a certain amount it
can create various health problems like depression, insomnia, and heart
problems.
That is not all. The list of stress related diseases is long and
becoming increasingly common these days. Therefore, beating stress has
become the need of the hour. The easiest and the most effective way of
doing that is trying a work out a routine. In this way, you can get rid
of the stress and lose some weight too.
Exercising is considered as one of the best ways to squander the
excess energy, especially if you are doing a desk job. Including
exercises into your daily routine does not mean you need to join a gym
or a health club. Simple activities like taking the dog to walk, walking
to the market or dancing to your favourite music are some best stress
relievers, which you can do without much hassle.
According to experts, in a week we should exercise for a minimum of
30 minutes at a moderate intensity. Exercises not only make you healthy
and relieve stress but it also helps to have a good sleep by relaxing
tense muscles. By working out, our body releases a chemical known as
endorphins to the bloodstream which makes us happy and relaxed. This is
a very helpful tool to fight depression and anxiety.
It also keeps you slim and beautiful. All in all, those who are fit
are better able to handle the long-term effects of stress without
suffering ill health.
 Walking, swimming, jogging, cycling, aerobics, and social dancing are
also some great ways of exercising. Exercises always need not to be
coupled with weights and gyms. Choose anything you enjoy doing to shed
some sweat. When you enjoy what you are doing, most likely, you will
continue with that, because it does not make you feel like you are doing
a chore.
Occasionally, vary what you are doing. That avoids boredom. If you
are a walking person, why not do some indoor activity. Especially during
this rainy season, doing some aerobics instead of walking will keep you
fit or just turn on the radio and dance to your favorite tune. Exercises
should be fun. It is difficult to keep going with an exercise program
that you do not enjoy. Having an exercise buddy is also another way to
make you keep up with it. That will make you exercise for a longer
period without getting bored.
Excuses!
People, who are lazy to workout, are very good at giving excuses. If
you find that you are also one of them, write them down and evaluate
each one. Perhaps you say:
* I do not have the time/money
* I am not the sporty type/not good at exercise
* I do not enjoy exercise
 * I am too old/tired/overweight/self-conscious
* There are no facilities closeby
* I cannot be bothered
* When I stop exercising, I’ll gain more weight
To exercise, a gym or a treadmill is not at all a necessity. Anyone
can exercise without even spending a cent, going outdoors, or having a
particular skill. Moreover, everyone feels better afterwards. The most
important thing is you have to warm up and cool down before and after
excerices to avoid injury.
Walking
Walking is an exercise, even the least fit among us usually are able
to incorporate into our daily life style. An organized routine can be a
great form of aerobic exercise. It is free, and has many health benefits
such as strengthening the heart and lungs as well as the legs. It also
helps to prevent osteoporosis, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol,
helps with diabetes, and increases flexibility.
Anyone can incorporate 30 minutes of walking into his or her daily
routine most days. It can be walking all or part of the way to work, or
a 15-minute walk at lunchtime and another in the evening. As your
fitness improves, you could even try alternating with a slow jog. Taking
the stairs instead of the elevator is also another choice that will
become automatic after a short time.
Yoga
 Yoga is also an exercise that reduces stress and improves strength,
flexibility, coordination, circulation, and posture. It may even reduce
the frequency of asthma attacks.
Yoga is an ancient Indian practice, dating back more than 5000 years.
The word ‘yoga’ means ‘union’, and was originally designed to lead to
union of the human spirit with nature. However, today many people use
this as a way to link the body and mind to encourage peacefulness and
relaxation.
Yoga is a combination of stretching postures, meditation techniques,
and breathing, which helps us to calm our mind and tone the body. The
best way to learn and practice yoga is through an experienced
instructor.
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