After a stressful day at work, how can exercising help reduce stress?
Dr. Simon: Physical activity is a great way to relieve mental stress. Doctors don’t know exactly how it works, but they believe exercise can help by reducing the body’s stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Exercise may also modify the activity of the nervous system itself. And there are purely psychological effects; paying attention to your body distracts attention from stressful worries, and doing something positive for your health restores your sense of control even when things at work are spinning out of control. iMag: Are there specific types of exercise that help deal with stress? Dr. Simon: Almost any type of exercise will help. Many people find that using large muscle groups in a rhythmic, repetitive fashion works best; I call it “muscular meditation”. Walking and jogging are prime examples. Even a simple 20 minute stroll can clear the mind and reduce stress. Some people prefer vigorous workouts that burn stress along with calories; that’s one reason ellipticals are
