How does exercise help stress?

Exercise has been proven to relax the body and mind, burn fat, improve cardiovascular system, bring in more oxygen, reduce the chance of diseases, lower blood pressure and the list goes on. Exercise can help by providing an outlet for negative emotions such as worry, irritability, depression, hostility, anger, frustration, and anxiety. The best way to vent out these emotions by indulging in sports like tennis, cricket, or simple practicing boxing over a punching bag. Exercise can also improve self-esteem and self worth by realizing that you are benefit directly. You may feel more outgoing and social because of the increased energy and also a better physique creating more confidence and positive self image. Your self-esteem may be enhanced by taking on exercise challenges or goals, giving you a feeling of accomplishment and reward.

Exercise can cause release certain chemicals from the brain called as Endorphins into your blood stream which give you a feeling of happiness and positivity and that affects your mental wellbeing too.

Stress disrupts the homeostasis of physical and mental wellbeing. Studies suggest that, with exercises there is release of certain chemicals like endorphin, serotonin etc. which act centrally to relive stress. Apart from this exercises act as a distraction from the stressors i.e. stress causing agents. Exercises like breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, progressive relaxation technique, aquatic aerobics, Pilates, tai-chi etc. can be some of the great workout to reduce stress.