Physical exercise

From Lowering Stress Naturally

Stress affects every system in our bodies. Many of the effects are not readily noticed until they have remained long enough to cause an illness such as stomach ulcers. Many of our illnesses are caused by a life of unrelenting stress and the resulting release of certain chemicals and hormones by our bodies.

One reaction of our bodies to stress is a tensing of our muscles. In a moment of danger, this prepares us to fight or flee, then is released when the danger is past. During constant stress, it is not released, but our muscles remain tense without our realizing it until we become aware of a tension headache or burning, aching shoulders or indigestion due to tense muscles in the region of the stomach.

Even when we do recognize the problem, it is sometimes difficult to relax those tense muscles, which makes true rest and sleep difficult.

One way I've found to help muscles relax is to tire them by doing something that uses the offending set of muscles, as well as all the muscles in general, and continuing the exercise for as long as it takes to feel physically tired. This is different from the tiredness you feel when you come home from a stressful day at the office. That is a weariness of the soul or emotions, in which you will need to relax the mind. It is the cause of the tense muscles, the release of harmful chemicals and hormones, etc., in the body.

Physical tiredness from exercise is a natural, healthy condition which can help you get the rest you need to regenerate your body and mind. If your muscles are fatigued from physical exercise, they will relax and rest themselves when the exercise is finished. This will allow normal blood flow into the problem areas, such as the neck, shoulders, stomach, etc. and alleviate the problem the tense muscles have caused.

A soak in a hot bath or spa is an excellent way to end your exercise session, reinforcing the muscle relaxation and deepening the mental relaxation that the physical exercise began. Personal enhancements can be added to this, such as aromatherapy or candles or soft music.

~Lois