Forms of Exercise for Reduced Stress: Four Options Explored

Everyone knows how important exercise is for general health, but the reality is that it’s much more impactful than most people realise. There are dozens of forms of exercise to choose from, and each has its own unique benefits that go beyond an improved cardiovascular system or stronger bones and muscles. 

Science is very clear on the fact that regular physical activity can have a huge impact on mental health, and given that this is one of the most critically important elements of modern-day life, an exercise plan is worth structuring into your daily routine from this standpoint alone. Some of the most prevalent mental health problems, such as anxiety, stem from daily stress, so if you’re interested in pursuing this to help your brain, it makes most sense to start here. 

In this article, you’ll learn about four of the best exercise types for mitigating stress as much as possible, helping you live a more balanced life while improving your physical health at the same time. 

1. Walking

It might sound obvious, but walking is one of the best forms of physical activity there is. You don’t need any equipment to do it, and you can easily match the intensity with whatever level of fitness you’re currently at. Research also shows that spending time in nature is highly beneficial for promoting a sense of calm and reducing stress, so the ability to pair your walking with natural environments makes it particularly potent. 

As a next step up, you could also consider hiking, which amplifies each benefit discussed above. 

2. Pilates

Pilates is one of the more unique forms of exercise on this list. It’s low impact, making it great if you have joint or mobility issues, and it focuses on your ability to maintain good posture and a high level of flexibility into old age. It’s a very mindful form of exercise, too, with a heavy emphasis on breathing technique, which means it’s ideal for those who experience a lot of stress and need a release. 

It’s a nice option for those who want to improve core strength, and given that it helps rebuild stability and increase strength for life’s daily activities, many people use it as an aid in injury rehabilitation. 

You can find plenty of videos on YouTube to get started, and if you really get into it, you can purchase your own Pilates reformer machines to take your experience to the next level. You might also want to try a Pilates class; this form of exercise is great to do with friends, so see if there’s someone in your social circle – or even a family member – who would be interested in going along with you. 

3. Swimming 

Being in the water is already understood by most to be a highly relaxing experience, and swimming really accentuates that feeling. There’s something special about moving through the resistance of the water. No matter how you like to swim, this is a fantastic form of exercise, and it’s another one you can work on at your own pace without the need for any specialised equipment. 

The skills you learn here could also save your life. Even if you can already swim, practice makes perfect, and there’s a big difference between someone who can get by and an individual who can swim lengths with ease. 

4. Yoga

Yoga purposefully brings mindfulness and exercise together in a way few other types of physical activity do, and nearly everyone who practices it regularly speaks of how much it benefits their body and mind. 

In many ways, Yoga offers a balance to vigorous and exhausting aerobic or strength-based exercise. Similarly to Pilates, rather than focusing on working up a sweat, this is all about improving flexibility and postural health with slower, more methodical movement patterns. 

Yoga also goes beyond exercise, encompassing a broader philosophy akin to meditation, making it a superb companion in your efforts to improve mental health and live a stress-free life. It’s easy to incorporate into your daily routine; there are thousands of guided sessions for free on YouTube, and all you really need is a Yoga mat for comfort. 

Wrapping up

Stress doesn’t have to factor as a major component of your life – there are many ways to combat it.

The above suggestions give you plenty of scope to find a form of exercise that supports your mental health. While starting any new routine is difficult at first, before long, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. 

Top photo by Caley Vanular on Unsplash