There are many ways to reduce stress without piling on the calories. The key is to acknowledge your stress and try different strategies before turning to food for comfort and relief. One easy stress reliever is, of course, exercise.
Exercise for Stress Relief
Exercise is one of the best stress relievers there is. Research has shown that physical activity helps lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety while increasing energy and self-esteem. General exercise guidelines recommend 2.5 to 5 hours a week of exercise along with basic strength training to maintain health and promote weight loss. It isn't clear how much is needed to manage stress, but some activity is always better than no activity.
Cardio exercise is always a good choice for dealing with anxiety and stress as your body releases those feel-good endorphins, so try an activity you enjoy and really work at it. Check out these cardio resources or visit our Walking Site for some great walking tips and workouts.
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