Stress and anxiety is a common result of today’s fast-paced lifestyle. Unlike other ailments, stress cannot be easily controlled with medications. Fortunately, one can effectively manage their stress levels by making a few changes to their daily routine. Listed below are 6 different types of workouts that have proven effective in controlling high levels of stress.
6 Best Workouts for Stress Relief
1. Biking
How to Do:
- Biking can be practiced indoors using an exercise bike or you can opt for outdoor biking on a regular bicycle.
- Practicing outdoor biking can be more beneficial to deal with stress and anxiety.
- You can start with shorter sessions for 10 to 15 minutes and gradually increase the intensity.
- For cardio workouts, you can use an exercise bike and enjoy the benefits of safer high-speed biking.
Number of Repetitions: Biking can provide best results when practiced twice in a day.
How it Helps: Biking helps in reducing muscle stiffness and makes your body more flexible. It improves overall energy levels.
[ Read: Exercises to Strengthen the Shoulders ]
2. Brisk Walking or Jogging
How to Do:
- Practice brisk walking or jogging during the morning hours.
- You can start with a 20-minute walk and gradually increase the duration to 40 minutes.
- You can also alternate a few minutes of brisk walking with jogging to enjoy the combined benefits of both.
Number of Repetitions: Brisk walking or jogging can be done twice in a day for 20 to 40 minutes.
How it Helps: It helps by improving blood circulation and oxygen intake. Jogging can instantly lift your moods.
[ Read: Best Arm Exercises For Women ]
3. Swimming or Water Aerobics
How to Do:
- Swimming can be practiced anytime during the day.
- You can start with gentle swimming strokes and gradually increase the intensity.
- You can try freestyle swimming as it can prove more relaxing.
- For weight loss purposes, you can opt for water aerobics sessions.
Number of Repetitions: Swimming needs to be practiced only once in a day. Even 3 to 4 swimming sessions in a week can prove beneficial.
How it Helps: Swimming is a unique type of workout that can considerably relax your body and mind. It improves your lung capacity and strengthens the muscles around your arms, chest, and thighs.
[ Read: Exercises to Reduce Belly Fat ]
4. Playing Tennis or Racquetball
How to Do:
- You can practice tennis or racquetball at a sports gym that offers adequate facilities for enjoying such activities.
- You can start with short sessions of 20 to 30 minutes.
- Maintain a reasonable gap between your tennis practice and other workout sessions.
Number of Repetitions: Tennis or racquetball can be practiced as often as you wish. Ideally, a 40-minute session on a daily basis can maintain your fitness levels.
How it Helps: Playing tennis or racquetball can make you feel excited and also relaxed. It can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
[ Read: Exercises for a Stronger Pelvic Floor ]
5. Dancing
How to Do:
- Dancing can be practiced in various ways to promote fitness and reduce stress.
- You can try aerobic dances like Zumba or Jazzercise to get quick results from your dance sessions.
- Select dance sessions conducted by expert trainers.
- Take intermittent breaks during a dance workout to avoid excessive physical strain.
Number of Repetitions: Aerobic dance sessions can be practiced twice in a day with each session lasting around 30 minutes.
How it Helps: Dancing is more effective in burning calories. Moreover, the fun and excitement involved can motivate you to put in more efforts.
[ Read: Best Workouts to Lose Weight Fast ]
6. Rowing
How to Do:
- Rowing can be practiced in an indoor set-up with the help of a rowing machine.
- You may opt for outdoor rowing as it offers more relaxation.
- You can choose to row alone or with a partner based on your experience in this context.
Number of Repetitions: You can practice rowing for around 30 minutes on a daily basis.
How it Helps: Rowing strengthens the muscles of your arms, shoulders, and back. It can considerably boost your energy levels.
Even though all the exercises mentioned above are effective in dealing with stress and depression, you can count on good results by regularly following a few of them if not all.
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