Is the economy or other stress distracting you from your health? I have found that in times of stress, physical exertion is one of the most important and effective actions we can take. Exercise releases feel-good hormones such as endorphins and adrenaline, and reduces stress hormone levels.

Yet our natural reaction to stress seems to be to remove things from our day that feel superfluous and time-consuming. Often that includes the time we spend on our health. We sacrifice that time, and ourselves, to other more “important” causes at hand, despite the fact that the stressor might be something we don’t have any control over, anyway.

Endless studies have confirmed that the right amount of exercise relieves stress and boosts the immune system. I would like to add a few other reasons to exercise that are highlighted less often, but are great incentives to find that time every day to just move:

• Taking time for yourself can have a meditative effect. Focusing on just your physical exertion and breath gives you space and time to disconnect from your worries for that moment. It’s a golden moment given to yourself by yourself.

• In times when you feel out of control, a planned workout gives you the ability to influence your environment, thus helping you take a break from feeling helpless.

• My favorite reason to exercise is that it’s a cathartic outlet. Exercising helps us let off steam and build coping skills. The time that we give ourselves to take care of our bodies is an act of self-love.

30-Minute Stress Relief Workout
Breathing is an important aspect of stress relief workouts. Yoga teaches us that nose breathing is proven to actually calm down the nervous system. Combine it with a workout, and you will experience several benefits just by moving and breathing! Try this workout where all elements are involved: high and low heart rate intervals, stability and mobility exercises, and a focus on nose breathing.

In 5-minute intervals, alternate the following moves:

1. Do plié squats with arms reaching overhead. When you come up, straighten legs to standing, gaze upward, and bring arms down alongside the body.

2. Dance, jump, skip, hop, jump rope, step up and down on a curb, or do jumping jacks.

3. Slowly do a sequence of sun salutations or upward and downward facing dog.

4. Dance, jump, skip, hop, jump rope, step up and down on a curb, or do jumping jacks.

5. Do a quick sequence of ab work: standing twists on a ball if available, or lying on the floor.

6. Do lying down stretches on the floor or, if you have a foam roller available, use the last 5 minutes to roll out leg and back muscles.

Image: stuartpilbrow