- Muscle tension in neck, face or shoulders
- Problems sleeping
- Low energy, exhaustion
- Upset stomach, diarrhea or constipation
- Headaches
- Body aches and pains
- Increase in or loss of appetite
- Skin breakouts
- Grinding teeth, clenched jaw
- Trembling/shaking
- Dizziness
Happiness in Motion. Exercise does more than keep those extra pounds at bay—it’s a well-known stress reliever. Here are a few more reasons why it’s smart to make time for that morning run:
Keep your heart healthy. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends twenty to sixty minutes of aerobic activity three to five times a week. This not only keeps our bodies in shape, but also keeps our heart and lungs healthy, the organs that handle the majority of the body’s physiological stress response.
See the glass half full. Charles Raison, M.D., Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Emory University in Atlanta, says those who exercise regularly usually have less inflammation in the body and a more positive outlook on life, which both help keep stress at bay.
Stay alert. “Exercise motivates us and also increases our attention span,” says Holly Thacker, M.D. A more focused mind helps you tackle complicated problems without being overwhelmed.
By Amy E. Lemen
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