Thursday, December 4, 2008

Choose This Simple Activity And Reduce Stress

By Don Raemond

Yes, I know exercise is not the an exciting subject to talk about. But it will help you reduce stress, which will improve your sense of well being and lead to a more enjoyable life. If you have avoided exercising, just getting started is the most difficult part.

Stress reduction is a great reason to get the exercise ball rolling. How often have you heard someone you know say about an ailment, "it's just stress related"? Most folks have a tendency to make light of stress, but it's a fact that too much stress in your life can eventually lead to illness and even serious health problems. So starting an exercise regimen to reduce stress in your life could be one of THE most important decisions you make.

Exercise will help strengthen your immune system and bring your stress level down. Even simple activities like stretching, walking, jogging or hiking will strengthen your heart, lungs and muscles and increase your endurance.

Walking could be the smartest exercise choice you could make. No equipment or gear of any kind is required and you can walk anywhere, anytime. Walking can be enjoyable, especially if you go with a partner and just enjoy each others company. Going for a walk with a friend will make it something to look forward to.

Increase the intensity of your walks to enhance the health benefits. Walk a little faster and increase the distance each week. Walking is the best activity for your health if you do it the right way. So make sure you push yourself and maintain your target heart rate for at least 20 minutes. If you don't have a clue what your target heart rate is, you can easily find out online. Purchase a heart rate monitor if you don't have already own one.

Make sure to do some basic stretching before you walk for the purpose of loosening up the muscles in your neck, shoulders and legs. Doing so will start the blood flowing and help to prevent unwanted injuries.

There are many different activities that you could get involved in to help reduce stress in your life. But walking is simple, exhilarating, and inexpensive. It is an activity that also allows you to get your workout done quickly if you are on a tight schedule. You can stretch and get a good walk in, all in as little as 30 minutes. You can surely budget 1/2 hour a day for something as important as your health.

Even if you go for shorter walks occasionally, the combination of exercise and social interaction will dramatically reduce stress in your life. So get a good pair of comfortable shoes and a heart rate monitor, and start walking regularly. It will not only reduce stress, it will make you feel great. - 16089

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