Exercise Regular exercise provides an excellent outlet to relieve stress. It also provides a quiet time for contemplation and reappraisal of priorities. Exercise does not have to be vigorous to play a beneficial role in stress reduction. Exercise seems to play a role in mental health as well. Regular jogging seems to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression in many patients.
Runners experience a feeling of euphoria caused by increased endorphin secretion.
Concentrated aerobic exercise has been shown to lessen stress by reducing blood pressure. However, excessive exercise does not produce excessive relaxation or excessive stress reduction. The key to exercise for stress reduction is moderation.6 Diet Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining emotional and physical health. A diet high in fat is believed to be associated with heart disease, high blood pressure, and possible certain types of cancer. Stress also has been linked to these conditions.