The Role of Exercise in Managing Stress and Anxiety for Kids and Adults

NEW YORK - March 20, 2025 - PRLog -- It seems like everyone is stressed out these days! In a fast-paced and sometimes relentless world, both kids and adults face stress and anxiety on a daily basis. Whether it's the pressure of school or the challenges of work and family, these feelings can become overwhelming. Although some stress is healthy for us, not all stress is created equal. For the stress that does not service us, there is a solution. Fortunately, one of the best remedies for managing stress and anxiety is something simple and accessible to everyone — exercise.

Physical activity doesn't just benefit the body; it has a profound effect on mental health too. Feeling strong leads to feeling like you have more control and makes you more comfortable in your own skin. Let's explore how exercise helps both children and adults manage stress and anxiety and why it's a crucial tool in maintaining overall well-being

How Exercise Reduces Stress

Exercise is known to reduce the levels of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. When you're stressed, your body releases this hormone, but engaging in physical activity helps balance these stress levels. Exercise also stimulates the production of endorphins, often called the "feel-good" chemicals, which act as natural mood boosters.

Physical Activity and Anxiety Reduction

Anxiety can make daily tasks seem daunting, but regular physical activity is a powerful way to combat these feelings. Exercise helps reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, like tension, rapid breathing, and a racing heart. It also provides a mental break, allowing you to refocus and reset.

Regular exercise significantly reduces anxiety by boosting endorphins, the brain's "feel-good" chemicals, and lowering cortisol, a stress hormone. Studies show that aerobic activity not only improves mood and stress response but also acts as a distraction from anxious thoughts, enhances resilience, and improves sleep quality — all of which contribute to lower anxiety levels …

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