Managing Stress

Overhaul Your Body

Becoming more active will burn calories, increase metabolism and decrease stress. The more active you become, the better your body will be able to deal with physical stress, which in turn decreases the need to release cortisol.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is naturally released in the body in response to stress. As part of the “fight or flight” response, it increases the flow of glucose from the body’s tissues into the bloodstream to provide extra energy to handle a stressful situation.

If stress is mental or emotional, with no physical component, then we don’t burn the energy provided by the surge of cortisol. Instead, that energy is stored in the abdomen, stimulating the growth of fat cells.

Active people also have a lower cortisol response to emotional stress.

Beyond controlling cortisol levels, there are other benefits to leading an active lifestyle. Active individuals are more likely to see a decrease in their heart rate and blood pressure, higher HDL (good cholesterol) levels and lower triglycerides. In addition to being heart healthy, an active lifestyle also increases lean body mass and bone density and decreases the chances of developing osteoporosis.

To achieve a healthier, more active lifestyle, the changes don’t need to be drastic. Little additions of movement and exercise can make an impact on health. 

Here are good ways to incorporate positive changes into your daily life:

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Park farther away in parking lots.
• Get up from the desk or TV periodically and walk around.
• Do home activities like cleaning, gardening or yard work.
• Walk the dog.