When it comes to our bodies, movement is a form of medicine. One of the reasons a lot of members come to SPENGA is to relieve stress in a fun way that keeps their body moving and in tip-top condition.
When our bodies are under stress, cortisol is released, cueing our bodies to also release adrenaline. The result is an increase in heart rate and energy as part of the body’s natural fight-or-flight response. While we’re spinning, we release cortisol and adrenaline because our heart rates are elevated and we’re working hard to pedal away any outside stressors while simultaneously stressing the body in a safe way. In strength, we are putting stress on the muscles to build and strengthen them, and then with yoga, we let all that stress on the body go, letting those cortisol and adrenaline levels come down.
Having high cortisol and adrenaline levels consistently over time outside of exercise can increase your likelihood of getting sick by weakening your immune system, disrupting brain function, your sleep pattern, and even impact weight loss and gain.
According to Harvard Medical School, here are five simple tips that can help you keep stress levels low so we can keep putting in the WERK longer!
1. Stay positive. Laughter has been found to lower levels of stress hormones, reduce inflammation in the arteries, and increase "good" HDL cholesterol.
2. Meditate. This practice of inward-focused thought and deep breathing has been shown to reduce heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure. Meditation's close relatives, yoga and prayer, can also relax the mind and body.
3. Exercise. Every time you are physically active, whether you take a walk or play tennis, your body releases mood-boosting chemicals called endorphins. Exercising not only helps you destress, it also protects against heart disease by lowering your blood pressure, strengthening your heart muscle, and helping you maintain a healthy weight.
4. Unplug. It's impossible to escape stress when it follows you everywhere. Cut the cord. Avoid emails and TV news. Take time each day — even if it's for just 10 or 15 minutes — to escape from the world.
5. Find ways to destress. Simple things, like a warm bath, listening to music, or spending time on a favorite hobby, can give you a much-needed break from the stressors in your life.
