Self Esteem & Stress

Stress is an all too common term these days. It has a negative effect on the body, which over time can lead to many physical and mental complications. The reason this section on stress and self-esteem has been included is for the simple fact that we are living in a very stressful times, and stress has a huge impact on health. People work longer hours and have to deal with a lot more stress than previous generations. Stress has a major impact on just about every function of the mind and body. It severely effects the mind and body’s ability to function and overtime leads to chronic illness. Exercise greatly enhances a person’s self-esteem and mental outlook while significantly reducing stress. It releases pent-up, nervous, energy that would otherwise fester within a person’s psyche. Furthermore, we know that endorphins, chemicals released by the pituitary gland during vigorous exercise, improve one’s mood. Regular exercise also decreases the risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

Exercise also improves physical appearance, which in itself enhances self-esteem and self-image. Regular exercise also increases energy levels and gives you a better ability to concentrate. Regular exercise also allows you get a quality night’s sleep which in turn improves your ability to handle stress and slows down the aging process.

Regular exercise also increases blood flow to the brain bringing much needed sugars and oxygen during times of stress and duress. This allows you to think more intensely and concentrate harder. As mentioned earlier, regular exercise also allows the release of endorphins that bring a sense of well being and happiness.

Muscle tension also increases during times of stress which can cause a wide array of musculoskeletal problems in addition to general feelings of fatigue and emotional stress. Regular exercise leads to muscle relaxation. A recent study done examining the electrical activity of muscle found that activities such as walking, jogging and bicycling decrease muscle tension by half for up to 90 minutes after exercise. Physical relaxation translates to mental relaxation.

Regular physical exercise can:

1. Reduce your level of anxiety.
2. Helps alleviate muscle tension
3. Improve your positive self-esteem and confidence.
4. Help alleviate depression.
5. Improve your appearance.
6. Help you relax.
7. Combat the likelihood of many degenerative problems.
8. Can help you sleep more restfully.
9. Improve your overall quality of life.
10. Teach you about goal-setting and dedication.
11. Can assists in efforts to stop smoking.
12. Help to relieve and prevent migraine headache attacks.

Starting a monitored fitness program at Incentive Personal Training can significantly reduce stress along with other negative effects of stress.

For more information please email: inquiries@personal-training.com.au
Or Phone: (03) 9568 4023