The best exercises to combat modern stress and anxiety

In this article, Chloe Richards from Powerhouse Fitness Manchester shares her pick of the best exercises to combat the stress and anxiety that comes with modern life.

If you feel stressed out all the time, you’re not alone. Here in the UK, we work some of the longest hours in Europe, according to an Office for National Statistics report — so, if you feel like there’s not enough time in the week to keep on top of things, you might be on to something. What’s more, our country has never been more divided after a tumultuous few years of referendums and elections. On top of all this, we’ve had to become used to the sight of armed police on the streets over the last few months. This is enough to make even the most laid-back person anxious. Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to alleviate stress. My personal favourite is getting active, which has been scientifically proven to reduce anxiety.

When you exercise, your body releases stress-fighting hormones called endorphins. As little as 15 minutes of activity can be enough to flush your body with this calming chemical, which helps bring about feelings of well-being and contentedness.

It is worth noting, not all exercise is created equal when it comes to relieving anxiety. Here’s my pick of the best stress-busting activities anyone can incorporate into their life today.

Yoga

If you’re au fait with the latest fitness trends, my first pick won’t surprise you. Practised in the East for centuries, yoga has only recently started getting its due here in the West, where it’s spread like wildfire. Yoga’s combination of stretching and deep breathing not only reduces your body’s levels of cortisol — the stress hormone — but boosts feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine too. It also engages the parasympathetic nervous system, which kicks your body into a state of relaxation and healing, according to an article from Forbes. Simply download the Yoga Studio app, which will quickly get you up to speed with the basics through easy-to-follow videos. Once you’re comfortable with the beginner poses, you can take the habit to the next level by joining a class.

Team Sports

Getting active, connecting with people, and challenging yourself are three of the NHS’s pick of the 10 best ways to reduce stress. Team sport brings all these stress busters together in one, making it the perfect release for the anxiety that builds up through the week. If you used to play a team sport as a kid, it can be great fun to pick it up again as an adult. Reliving a bit of your childhood can put a big smile on your face, which can do wonders to relieve stress. It’s also a great idea to try something completely new, especially if you bring someone else along for the ride. Experiencing the learning curve of a new hobby with your significant other, your kids, or a good friend can help bring you closer together and make you both a lot happier.

Walking

When most people think of taking up a new exercise, they don’t picture themselves on a stroll. However, walking is a low-impact exercise that people of any fitness level can enjoy.

Getting together with a walking partner or joining a walking group is a great way to socialise and hit another one of the NHS’s top stress relievers, too.

To get the biggest stress-busting benefits from walking, get out in the great outdoors: walking among nature can increase your energy levels, improve the quality of your sleep, and help to reduce stress according to Live Strong.

Head to your nearest park, nature reserve, or beach to really benefit from this chronically under-appreciated exercise.

These three exercises will go a long way to relieving the stress and anxiety that come part and parcel with modern life. Make time for them in your weekly schedule and you’re sure to feel a lot more relaxed in no time.

Yoga

Team Sports

Walking

you’ll also love

Start the Summer Holidays with Manchester’s One Big Summer Weekend

Follow us on social