What does physical activity do to our brain and body?

28 January 2020

Physical activity is one of the easiest and best way to combat stress. Physical exertion is, after all, the body's natural outlet for buffering the overstimulation. .

With too much tension and stress, your shoulders go up, your body bends forward, your muscles stiffen, and you naturally breathe more briefly and superficially. You gradually become tense and fatigued, your temper flares up, your head is full of… the step has been taken towards a tension syndrome or chronic hyperventilation.

Feeling good about the tension and consciously moving, stretching and breathing to release tension are crucial to prevent overexertion. Exercise as an overexertion detox, some tips:

  • Stretching, movement and breathing synchronisation (or yoga) are a simple way to avoid muscle pain and calm your body. A few minutes are enough to fully enjoy the relaxing effect. It also works revitalizingly.
  • A deep, calm belly breath will help you recover when you’re tired. Straighten your back, open your chest, and breathe in and out evenly and forcefully. You’ll immediately notice that it has a calming effect and that it reduces stress and also speeds up muscle tone.
  • In physical sports (without competition), you can give the accumulated tension space and release it. This also stimulates your blood circulation and removes toxins. It also provides more brain energy. We weren’t made to sit still for long periods; we literally and figuratively acidify our bodies.
  • The feeling of relaxation and well-being you feel after walking, cycling, exercising, or doing a mini workout has to do primarily with the endorphins that your brain produces and distributes throughout the nervous system and the tissues of your body. They have an anxiety-reducing effect and can therefore prevent a slight panic attack.
  • Adequate physical activity has a positive effect on your health and concentration, makes you fitter and happier, provides more energy and drive, prevents overexertion and burnout!

Read more about our approach via this link.

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Myriam

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