Exercising to beat stress

I've discovered over the years that, although exercising is the last thing I feel like when I'm stressed, it really can help me relax. Our body's 'fight or fight' reaction creates energy, but there's often nowhere for that energy to go, and we can feel tense for hours at a time.

Particularly for those of us with a sedentary job, exercise is the best outlets for this excess energy, and it doesn't have to be playing sport at a leisure centre or going to the gym. Many forms of activity that I enjoy are free and often don't even mean leaving the house. They certainly don't require having a particular skill! But I always feel better afterwards.

Yoga

I've been doing yoga regularly - several times a week - for about 15 years now. I use a dvd at home as I've been to classes and found I couldn't relax as much in public. Clearly not everyone feels the same, as evidenced by the snoring I heard!

Training for Ben Nevis

Recently, in a fit of New Year resolve, I made plans with a friend of mine to climb Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. We've decided on September this year, to optimise the weather versus midge problems!

Health and fitness news updates

24/09/2013 - Nordic walk or work-out?
Scandinavian researchers have clashed over the best type of exercise for people with health problems.

17/09/2013 - Lifestyle changes ‘reverse ageing’
Positive lifestyle changes could help to reverse ageing at a cellular level, according to a new US study.