From the Sport Development Leader

We have been talking a lot about how stressed we all seem in Term 3; the pressure of schoolwork, home life and everything in general can creep up at this time of year. 

I would hope that all students are aware of the importance of exercise in reducing stress levels.  It is all too often the first item to be shelved when we feel the pressure.  We have such a large range of sports here at the college, team sports, individual sports, Bootcamps, lunchtime games etc. But what other activity’s, maybe not so conventional could you maybe try from home to spruce up your fitness a little.

Below is an article from everydayhealth.com on eight stress busting activities that maybe are worth a try.

Josh White

Exercise is One of the Best Ways to Reduce Stress

When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are hormones that fight stress.  Exercise helps you get your mind off your problems and clears your head.  Here are eight different kinds of exercise that can heighten energy and provide stress relief.

High-Energy Activities

The benefits of aerobic exercise — like running, dancing, cycling, or skating — include an increased heart rate.  When your heart rate is accelerated, your body releases endorphins - natural opiates that make you feel good with no side effects.  High-energy activities help you feel better physically and mentally.

Yoga

Yoga - an excellent stress-relief exercise - involves a series of moving and stationary poses, or postures, combined with deep breathing.  A mind-body exercise, yoga can strengthen your body’s natural relaxation response and bring you into a healthy balance.  For stress relief, do gentle yoga or yoga for beginners — popular 'power yoga' classes may be too intense if your main goal is to ease stress.

Tai Chi

Like yoga, tai chi is a series of self-paced, flowing body movements and breathing techniques.  Although the movements have their roots in martial arts, they are meant to calm the mind and condition the body — making tai chi an excellent choice for stress relief.  According to recent studies, this mind-body practice has many health benefits: Tai chi can help build bone density, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system.  Another advantage is that, once you learn the moves, you can practise them anywhere and at any time — making it an easy activity to incorporate into everyday life.

Pilates

Pilates - a series of controlled movements and mat exercises named after their creator, Joseph Pilates - is designed to build your strength, flexibility, and endurance, all of which make practising Pilates - an anaerobic (as opposed to aerobic) exercise - a great stress reliever.   Pilates also tones your body, which in turn helps you feel great inside and out.

Other Martial Arts

Another effective way to release energy, frustration, and tension is to learn and practise a martial art. There are many to choose from: Krav Maga, karate, judo, tae kwon do, and more.  In addition to keeping you active, martial arts have other benefits; they teach you self-discipline, and the self-defense techniques you learn can make you feel safer.

Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a powerful means of reducing stress.  It involves controlled punching and kicking movements carried out with discipline.  You can get quite a rigorous workout in a kickboxing class, and that’s only one of its excellent benefits.  Kickboxing regularly will help improve your balance, flexibility, and coordination.  It’s also a great way to work out frustration — having an outlet to release energy and anger can relieve stress.

Team Sports

One of the best ways to fit exercise into your schedule is to round up friends and family and organise a game of football, basketball, or soccer — just three of many choices.  You get a double dose of stress relief from participating in team sports: Not only are you having fun with friends, but you’re also working up a sweat and releasing endorphins. 

Take It on the Road

Long-distance running, biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities provide a change of scenery and a dose of fresh air, both of which can help clear your mind.  Also, outdoor settings such as mountains, a biking trail, or a neighbourhood park are pleasant places to spend time in.  Beautiful settings, especially in winter in Queensland, can lift your mood and shake up your workout routine.

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