How can a man stay away from stress? Everybody in this world is entangled in the manacles of tensions. It might be personal, professional or related to relationship. Whatsoever, the bottom-line is- stress is all over and how we can prevent and overcome its deleterious impact on our life.
When you start to be distracted or moody; face difficulty in concentration; and, start to dislike the things you used to love, then you have to understand these signals that the stress is ramifying fast and you need a prompt action to curb it. Otherwise, it will cross the threshold leading to various mental diseases like depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, social phobia etc.
There are several methods to reduce the level of stress and getting back to the normal life; however exercise has proved to be the most effective, easiest and convenient remedy. Many researchers have recently revealed that Exercise has tremendous benefits on mental health. Aerobic exercises, including jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, gardening and dancing reduce anxiety and depression by increasing levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters have been associated with elevated mood. Similarly, it also increases levels of "brain-derived neurotrophic factor" (BDNF) which is responsible for improving the depressed mood.
Psychologically, exercise distracts the mind and prevents boredom and sadness. Group exercises and work out help to increase the social interactions and thus escalating more of recreational activities like playing outdoor games and picnics. Moreover, the social interaction and support that a person gets while doing group exercises can improve his self esteem and self confidence.
At the end, it should be noted that exercise not a permanent remedy to any mental diseases. It is one of the measures that can prevent the backdrop created by stress in health and also enhances the outcomes of required treatment. Exercises should be designed or choose according to the interest of the person and it should not be compulsory.
By Dr Suira Joshi
(Dr Suira Joshi, MA Psychology, BAMS, is working as medical officer at Ayur Polycliic Pvt Ltd, Nepal. She will be available for online consultation at http://ayurnepal.com/en/online-consultation.html)
References:
Ashish Sharma, M.D., Vishal Madaan, M.D., and Frederick D. Petty, M.D., Ph.D.
http://mentalhealth.about.com/od/depression/a/howexercise.htm
http://www.imt.net/~randolfi/ExerciseStress.html
http://stress.about.com/od/programsandpractices/a/exercise.htm
http://stresseducationcenter.com/blog/index.php/2009/05/21/physical-activityexercise-and-stress-management/
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