How I Got Rid of Stress and Pain

Sometimes sedentarism can get the best of you and when we are busy it is specially easy to forget to stand up for a while, stretch out or take a walk. Experts recommend a minimum of 30 mins of physical activity each day and though that may not sound like a lot some of us are guilty to not even commit to the bare minimum. Here are my suggestions for some of the top outdoor activities that may help lower your stress and relieve chronic pain.

Walking

The great thing about walking is that it can be done almost anywhere and without any specialized or expensive equipment. Walking can also be done by just about anyone in any age group and at any level of fitness. As you get better and walk more you can increase your daily walking distance and even move to jogging and eventually running. Walking has been shown to be good for joint pain relief, stress relief, and has even been shown to provide benefits for individuals who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

Swimming

Swimming is another great exercise. Swimming can help control weight, improve mood, and help with mental health by reducing stress. In addition, because swimming removes much of the burden of your body weight on your back and spine, it can be a great way to relieve back pain while still getting great exercise. Most doctors suggest doing aerobic exercises like swimming between three and five times a week for about half an hour to an hour per session.

Outdoor Stretching/Yoga

There are a variety of stretches and yoga positions which can help relieve certain types of pain and release stress. For example, there are stretches that can help with sciatica, neck pain, and abdominal pain. Things like hip stretches and piriformis muscle stretches are not difficult to learn and when done at least once a day can start leading to great results in a relatively short period of time.

Spending Time In Nature

While you probably are not going to be able to go spend time in the great outdoors on a regular basis, many studies have shown that even taking a few days off a couple of times a year in order to go hiking, taking up gardening, or doing another similar outdoor activity can be an excellent way to reduce stress and get exercise. You may want to consider visiting a state or national park for a few days with some friends and family. Research shows that spending time in nature can reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and decrease the likelihood of developing depression.