People love to exercise for chiseled muscles and to keep the love handles away, but everyone needs to know the importance of exercise for mental health as well. Show your brain some love by trying out these de-stressing methods.
1. All forms of yoga
Vinyasa is more stimulating while Hatha isomer relaxing and breath focused. All forms include deep breathing which trigger relaxation and reduces blood pressure while promoting focus.
2. Gardening
Yes, this can be a form of low impact exercise. Weeding can burn up to 200 calories hourly, while raking or mowing the lawn can burn up to 600 an hour. Contact with soil and the earth is refreshing and healing.
3. Walking
It’s not high intensity, but walks (especially in a nature setting) can greatly release muscle tension, decrease stress levels, and relax your nervous system.
4. Dance classes
Try out a local salsa or ballroom class, which can raise heart rate while improving agility. It also has mental benefits – those who dance have a lower chance of dementia thanks to new steps challenging your mind.
5. Tai Chi
This ancient Chinese martial art links movement to breath and is basically meditation done while moving. It improves flexibility and increases energy for a feeling of well being, balance, and improved sleep habits.
6. Pilates
This is a slightly more intense version of yoga which has more of a focus on lengthening and toning muscles, emphasizing alignment and core power. It can vastly decrease neck and back pain, as well as anxiety.
7. Martial Arts
Not only will this workout keep you safe, but it helps release pent up energy, frustration and tension from stress, in a way that also teaches self discipline. It’s offered in a diverse range of styles like Krav Maga, Taekwondo, or Judo.
8. Kickboxing
Those who aren’t in for a high intensity workout might want to avoid this calorie blaster, but it’s a great way to challenge yourself while reducing stress, growing confidence, honing in breathing techniques, and boosting energy.
9. Circuit training
This workout is a time saver, and buss stress quick. It blends exercises and employs rapid movements that get more done in less time, so you don’t have to worry about wasting time.
10. Spinning
The bumping music and quickly elevated heart rate in a spin class will blast your body with feel-good endorphins, improving your mood and giving you a sense of invisibility while toning your booty.
