Written by Chris Koiler (BBH May ‘17)

Handling a full course load, leadership roles, part-time jobs, and community and club involvement are just a few of the stressors college students deal with on a daily basis. Dealing with personal issues and finding time for friends and family can also contribute to the significant amount of stress students perceive they have. Figuring out how to deal with the stress is a challenge in itself.

One way to reduce stress on a daily basis is to make time to engage in physical activity. Physical activity can have a positive impact on the amount of stress you perceive whether you enjoy running, biking, doing yoga or lifting weights. Making time for physical activity can contribute to increased physical and mental energy throughout the day by breeding a sense of well being and relaxed feelings. Improved mental energy and a relaxed body will help those long study sessions be more productive.

Physical activity also helps the body release endorphins which trigger positive feelings and reduce the perception of pain throughout the body. It is often easier to take one’s mind off of stressors while the heart is pumping harder during physical activity. Another benefit of being active is that it helps improve quality of sleep which in turn helps reduce stress. Getting a good night’s sleep is very important, and can help minimize some of the negative effects of stress. If stress has been an issue throughout your day to day life, try taking some time to engage in physical activity and receive the benefits that will positively impact your life.

Sources:
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/exercise-fitness/emotional-benefits-of-exercise.htm

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/slideshows/7-mind-blowing-benefits-of-exercise/5

Penedo, F. J. & Dahn, J. R. (2005). Exercise and wellbeing: a review of mental and physical health benefits associated with physical activity. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 18, 189-193.