Effects of Exercise On Stress Management
Effects of Exercise On Stress Management
Effects of Exercise On Stress Management
Management
Stress
Stress may be defined as a state of threatened homeostasis, which is
counteracted by adaptive processes involving affective, physiological,
biochemical, and cognitive–behavioral responses in an attempt to regain
homeostasis. [1]
Stress Management
Stress coping methods are the cognitive, behavioral and psychological efforts
to deal with stress. There are many stress management techniques some of
them are progressive muscle relaxation, cognitive behavior therapy,
transcendental meditation, breathing techniques, yoga,exercises and
biofeedback. [3] A comprehensive stress management program will include
specific techniques prescribed on an individual basis but a general stress
management recommendation include [4]
Identifying stressors.
Get adequate rest.
Develop a time management plan.
Develop a healthy diet plan.
Engaging in regular physical exercise.
Mobilize a support network.
[5]
Exercise and Stress
There are several evidences that support exercise as a coping strategies for
stress management and improving mental health in people with chronic
disease like diabetes, coronary artery diseases, cancer, etc. Not only that
exercise is practicable treatment for coping with stress among athletes,
students, elderly and even in adults.Moreover,regular physical activity such as
exercise is the simple and inexpensive strategy to use in facing stress in daily
life.[2][4]
Being physically active improves the way the body handles stress because
of changes in the hormone responses such as endorphins is elevated
in plasma level following exercise inhibiting the central nervous system
(CNS) accounting sensation of calm and improved mood experienced. [2][4]
Physical activity increases the synaptic transmission of monoamines,
including serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline which act as anti
depressant affecting mood and behaviors. [2]
With that exercise serves as a time-out or distraction from one’s stressors
causing calming effect and improved retrieval of positive thoughts. [4]
Aerobic exercise and mind body types of exercises such as yoga or Tai
Chi have shown effectiveness in reducing stress whereas not much evidence is
available regarding resistance exercises. [2]
Even though the evidence between resistance exercise and stress management
is lacking,resistance exercise can be used as time out from stressor. [2]
The recommendations for exercise in the role of stress management fit with
the current health recommendations by ACSM (2015) to maintain their fitness
and healthy i.e. at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic
exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic
exercise per week. [4] According to Riebe et al., 2015, the domain of exercise
and stress reduction, exercise interventions usually include at least three
exercise sessions per week of at least 15 minutes duration at moderate
intensities. [4] Moderate intensities aerobic exercises include jogging, cycling,
dancing, etc.
The recent studies have shown that Tai Chi and yoga of sessions between 60
and 90 minutes performed 2 to 3 days per week were effective in reducing
stress and improving feelings of well-being. A study conducted in a work site
environment showed that 15 minutes of chair-based yoga postures was
effective in reducing acute stress indicating shorter duration sessions can be
effective in reducing acute stress.
In the pilot study done by Wilson et al. 2006, among cancer patient receiving
chemotherapy to explored the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of a self-
administered exercise and stress management intervention.Participant's
evaluations of the combined intervention were favorable: 90% felt it was
helpful to them and 100% would recommend it to another patient. Thus a
self-administered intervention combining aerobic exercise and stress
management was acceptable and safe for cancer patient after initial
assessment and exercise prescription based on ASCM guideline. [7]
Aerobic Exercise