With International Stress Awareness Week on the horizon, personal trainer Emily Berry is keen to emphasise the stress-busting powers of regular exercise and encourage people to get active.
The awareness week, which will be taking place between Monday 4th and Friday 8th November 2019, has been set up to highlight the detrimental effects stress can have on a person’s wellbeing.
Indeed, modern lifestyles are becoming increasingly stressful thanks to factors such as longer workdays and the pressures of digital connectivity. This stress can then go on to create long-term problems such as depression and anxiety and can have a huge impact on a person’s ability to function day-to-day.
Fortunately, a spate of recent studies has shown that exercise is fantastic at aiding relaxation, reducing fatigue, enhancing cognitive abilities and generally improving one’s ability to concentrate. This is because it releases feel-good endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and relaxants.
These endorphins can be very useful when you’re trying to combat the physical and mental effects of stress, and they can help you get through life’s difficult moments.
Emily told HAREFIELD RADIO: “Exercise is not just about weight loss and maintaining a strong and healthy body. It is also a vital component in looking after one’s mental health.
Having only taken up regular exercise a few years ago, I have really noticed the difference that activity can have on the mind. As well as calming any racing thoughts, it can help you feel far more energised and ready to take on what life throws at you. I’d encourage everyone to discover the power of exercise during International Stress Awareness Week, no matter how fit or unfit you may feel.”
For more details about International Stress Awareness Week, click here.
