Best exercises for stress relief

Ever notice how a brisk walk or a quick dance break can transform your mood? It’s like magic! Exercise has the ability to reduce stress & relax your mind. We all have endless responsibilities, but finding effective ways to relieve stress is the need of the hour. But here’s the secret - it doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, exercising can be fun! Whether you’re a gym enthusiast or a home workout buddy, here are the best stress relief exercises​ that can help you kick off anxiety.

1. Cardio: The Heart-Pumping Happiness Booster

Cardio is the best exercise for stress relief​ and what do people do? Well, basically it’s running, cycling, dancing or jumping rope, anything that gets your heart beating and those endorphins flowing. Do 20 minutes of cardio, 2-3 per week to kick in the feel-good hormones. Wake up in the morning and go for a 30-minute jog or play your favorite song and dance like no one’s watching.

2. Yoga: Find Your Zen with Flexibility

If you think yoga is just a flow of asanas, well then, you’re wrong! It’s a combination of deep breathing, stretches and mindfulness to calm the mind and lower cortisol levels. Yoga also loosens up the muscles, which makes you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. So, start your day bright and fresh with simple yoga poses such as Cat-Cow and focus on your breathing as you stretch. Don’t forget to unwind and spend a few minutes every day by meditating to clear your mind and find your core.

3. Strength Training: Build Muscle, Banish Stress

Many people tend to underestimate the power of strength training for stress release. As one of the exercises for stress relief​, it helps in muscle building, boosts confidence, and lets out pent-up stress. Strength training gets the endorphins working, like cardio. If you are worried about your form and the right lifting technique, that is one distraction from your everyday stress and a mental break too. Follow the SBD technique (squats, deadlift and bench press) in a 30-minute session to focus on different muscle groups.

4. Mindful Walking: Step Into Serenity

If you’re looking for something that can ease the stress without making your skin break out in sweat, mindful walking is the answer. As one of the stress relief breathing exercises, this low-impact activity encourages you to connect with your surroundings and focus on the present moment. By paying attention to your breath and your steps, you can calm your mind and reduce anxiety. So, go on a nature walk or try walking meditation to let go of your distractions.

5. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Quick and Effective Stress Relief

Looking for exercises that are of high intensity? HIIT is a great option. The short bursts of high-energy exercises followed by brief rest periods can pack a serious stress-relief punch. These exercises for stress relief get your heart pumping and endorphins moving, which keeps your mind engaged. So, follow a HIIT circuit that includes burpees, jump jacks, or mountain climbers, where you work out for 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds and repeat the same for 15 minutes. Or try Tabata Training, a 4-minute workout that involves doing any exercise you love for a quick burst of stress relief.

Mental health has become the talk of the town, but are we actually working towards it? Start by including a 30-minute exercise routine to manage stress and add movement in your daily regime. It can be running, swimming or cardio, a form of exercise you prefer and will be consistent with. Make your physical activity better by incorporating the Three60’s De-Stress Chill Gummies to your routine. Take one gummy daily and feel more relaxed. You’ll also notice a change in your stress levels, so move your body and say goodbye to stress!

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