College is a time when students gain independence and knowledge, expand their social circles and go beyond their comfort zone. It is widely acknowledged that on average, college students achieve impressive milestones and accomplish great feats during this crucial time in their lives. However, these trends of success are coupled with stress and pressure. As the end of the semester approaches, students are often left feeling overwhelmed and sometimes even incapacitated. It is important to remember the different methods that can help one deal with stress. In fact, research has shown that an extremely effective way to deal with stress is through exercising.
Exercise has an effect neurochemicals in one’s brain, thereby playing a role in improving mental health. Research indicates that in comparison to those who are not physically active, active individuals generally report lower levels of anxiety and depression. Studies that were done on animals during the 1980’s found that exercise increased norepinephrine levels in certain brain regions. Norepinephrine is directly involved in the body’s stress response. Approximately 50% of the brains norepinephrine’s supply is produced in the locus coeruleus which is a linker between regions in the brain responsible for emotional and stress responses. Further, norepinephrine is believed to moderate other neurotransmitters that are responsible for stress responses, highlighting the importance of the release of this neurotransmitter.
Interestingly, it has been shown that antidepressants increase brain concentrations of norepinephrine. Despite these findings, some psychologists find it hard to believe that an increase in norepinephrine’s equals an automatic decrease in stress and anxiety, thus leading to a decrease in depression levels. Instead, they believe that exercise plays a role in preventing anxiety and depression, as exercise teaches the body to respond to stress in a positive manner. Exercise forces the body’s physiological systems, which all deal with stress, to communicate with each other. While the cardiovascular system communicates with the renal system, the renal system communicates with the muscular system. The body’s communication holds a similar truth when it comes to exercise; the more we become inactive, the harder time our bodies have responding to stress efficiently. This phenomenon highlights the importance of staying in shape and getting a good dose of daily exercise throughout the week. According to a study published in Human Resources Management, researchers at Saint Leo University in Florida asked 476 working adults questions pertaining to their exercise lifestyle, and how they were able to deal with problems related to their work and home life. The results proved that employees who worked out a minimum of three days a week were less likely than those who were inactive, to experience stress at work.
Experts in the health field recommend that we exercise for at least half an hour most days of the week. Not only does exercising play a role in reducing stress levels, but it also relax tense muscles, consequently causing a better night’s sleep. Exercising releases endorphins into our bloodstream, making us feel happy and relaxed. This is why it is often used as a ‘medication’ as it is a helpful tool in beating depression and anxiety.
The next time you find yourself struggling and feeling burned out, remember to take a break. Get up and do some exercise. Be it yoga, meditation, treadmill or a jog outside, exercise can alleviate negative symptoms that accompanies the stress in your life.
Source:
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/exercise-stress.aspx