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For a stress-reduced life, try getting physical!

Learn about the differences between physical activity and exercise, the chemical boost you get from both, and the numerous benefits from incorporating more movement into your life because being angry and stressed doesn't look good on ANYONE!


Let's be real! Life can be chaotic most days and when you try to find a way to reduce your stress, without that pint of ice cream, you've most likely thought about exercise or even tried some form of physical activity. Why is that? Doctors, therapists, friends, and family members can't all be sipping from the same Kool-Aid (sugar-free of course) when they mention stress reducing options like going to the gym or as my dad used to say to me, "go take a hike"...there must be a connection.


 

Which one is more important?

  • PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

  • EXERCISE


Take the poll above...which one did you think was more important?


It's kind of a trick question; just a wee bit. See, ALL exercise IS a form of physical activity but NOT ALL physical activity is considered exercise. So truly, physical activity is more important....in the long run for overall health. Are you confused yet? Being physically active is ANY bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure (e.g., think vacuuming intensely before guests arrive, hauling loads of manure for your garden, etc.) while exercise is a subcategory of physical activity that is planned, structured, repetitive, and purposefully focused on improvement or maintenance like playing on a basketball team, competitive swimming, or joining pickle ball tournaments (read more about it here).


Now, I'm not going to make you guess how much of physical activity and exercise you need daily because the US Department of Health and Human Services has already done an incredible job determining that for you. According to the current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans on health.gov it's recommended that adults need at least 150 - 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, 2 days of muscle strengthening activities, and 2 - 3 days of stretching and balance activities EACH WEEK.


How much are you getting?


 

OK, so now you've learned more about physical activity and exercise let's talk about the chemical releases you benefit from while doing either one...hint...they are known as the "happy chemicals". How fun is that?!?!

Serotonin is the MOOD STABILIZER. You can get a boost from eating healthy foods with tryptophan like eggs or leafy greens, spending time in the sun, enjoying nature, meditating or performing mindful activities.

Endorphin is the PAIN KILLER. You can get a boost by laughing, exercising, watching something funny, taking a hot bath, or eating dark chocolate.

Dopamine is the REWARD MOTIVATOR. Anytime you complete a task, achieve your goals, celebrate wins, or perform self-care activities, you're getting a boost of dopamine. Try eating more foods with tyrosine like nuts, berries, or fish.

Oxytocin is the LOVE HORMONE. You get a boost when you are physically affectionate towards pets or people. Try hugging your family, playing with a pet, or doing something nice for someone.

Once you've determined what you're missing you can use the above chart to help you find a way to get more of those happy hormones.


 

Just one more thing to quickly talk about in regards to being physical on a regular basis. Below are some benefits, not all, that you can quickly receive by just getting up and moving:



If you need help getting motivated or finding a place to start, just let me know and I'll get you moving one way or another!


Until next time my friends!

The best way to get to know me is to reach out and connect. Let's chat!

979-987-1107

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