Workouts to Help Relieve Stress
Now that you know exercise reduces stress, it’s time to get active! To reduce your overall stress, it’s key to find an activity that keeps you sweaty and happy. Luckily, finding workouts to help relieve stress doesn’t have to be hard.
Keep in mind it’s important to find something you can stick with and do consistently. You’ll see the most growth with your physical and mental health when you choose an exercise routine that works for your life.
A lot of us are too busy to go get a fancy gym membership or fit exercise classes into our schedule. So here I’ll give you a few ideas of workouts to do from home that you can easily squeeze in during your free time. I’ll also add my best stretch routine for after your sweat session because it’s an integral part of every workout!
Warm-Ups
Ideally, you want to warm up before any exercise. Doing so gets your blood flowing, warms your muscles, and helps prevent injury. You’ll know when you’re ready to continue with your workout when your heart rate is elevated, and your body is feeling warm. Here are a few warm-up routines to try.
Cardio Workout
Here are a couple of ideas for a cardio workout. Try doing a few of these two to three times a week.
HIIT Workout
For this workout, you’ll complete a set of exercises. Perform each one for 30 seconds then rest for 30 seconds. Repeat the set 1 or 2 more times.
Strength Training Workout
You’ll need a set of light to medium weight dumbbells (DB) for this workout. Find a weight that allows you to do two or three sets of the exercise but is heavy enough that you feel challenged as you do the workout.
Make sure you do a light warm-up like a brisk walk or jumping jacks before you start lifting weights.
Stretches
Close out your workout with stretches that help you cool down and improve mobility. Be mindful that you’re taking deep breaths and relaxing your muscles as you do these stretches.
Aim to get a deep stretch, but not so far that it hurts. Try holding each stretch for 30 seconds to a minute. If possible, hold the stretch then breath out and stretch a little farther.
Foam Roll
Foam rollers are a fantastic tool. They allow you to roll out your muscles after a workout. It’s like giving yourself a massage without having to pay for a pricey massage session! And foam rolling is great for muscle recovery and soreness.
Other Workouts You Can Do at Home
For more workout options you can do at home, check out these resources:
Workout Routines for Busy Moms
Bedtime Yoga Routines for Better Sleep
7 Yoga Moves for a Healthy Mind & Body
You can also look into online workout classes and services such as P.volve, Barre3, and Peloton.
Get Moving to Manage Stress
Now that you have plenty of workouts to help relieve stress, the next time you’re feeling tense, you’ll have everything you need to get moving and find relief.
What exercise or activities do you do to manage stress? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear about them!
Be Well & Thrive!
With Love & In Health,
Sarah Outlaw, MH, MSACN
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