One-third of Americans report extreme stress, which disrupts brain chemicals and causes fatigue and weight gain. A study of 1.2 million people found that 45 minutes of exercise three to five times a week cuts stress most effectively, though any movement helps. Pick activities you enjoy, especially ones you do with others.
According to the American Institute of Stress, about 33% of people report feeling extreme stress. 77% of people experience stress that affects their physical health. 73% of people have stress that affects their mental health. 86% of managers describe their jobs as moderately or extremely stressful. Ouch! Chronic stress can create imbalances in vital neurotransmitters in the brain: dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin. These affect important bodily responses, including sleep, digestion, and pain response. So we feel tired, fat, and achy. Great for getting those end-of-year targets met, eh? So do you want some help, Stress Head? A 2018 Lancet Psychiatry Review study with 1.2 million people showed that exercising for 3 to 5 times a week for 45 minutes per session had the optimal effect on mental health. No more, no less. 3 to 5 times per week for 45 minutes per session. Of course, with exercise, any is better than none. We know that. So find something that you like doing. Team exercise is great for that human connection, another good stress reliever. So arrange a walk with a friend or colleague, go to that Zumba class you always fancied at lunchtime. Drop your tips for your favorite stress relief exercise in the comments. Mind-body combat, body attack.
