The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that 75 percent of health problems in the United States result from stress. Not only are most illnesses a result of stress, but stress also destroys the body’s ability to repair itself and to fight disease.
There are several ways to reduce stress. Physical activity, relaxation, meditation, yoga, listening to music, watching a movie, and spending time with friends are just a few ways to reduce stress.
Physical activity is one of the most effective means of reducing stress because it releases endorphins which help you to feel happy. The more physically active you are, the more your body will produce endorphins and the greater the effects of reducing stress. Endorphins also enhance the immune system and relieve pain. Beta-endorphins can activate the body’s natural killer cells which boost the immune system against diseases and kill cancer cells. Because endorphins are naturally produced in the body, they can be the best way to feel a “natural high.”
There are a variety ways you can experience an endorphin-induced natural high through physical activity at Northeastern University. Martial arts, kickboxing, cycling, running, fitness walking, swimming, weight lifting, rock climbing, yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, and dancing are just a few physical activities that can reduce stress. The best stress-reducing activity is the one that you enjoy doing and will do repeatedly, which differs for all of us.
Relaxation reduces stress. Sounds simple, but in today’s must-have-it-yesterday world, not many people take time to relax. There are many ways to take time to relax. Try taking a nap out on the university lawn and feel the sunshine on your face (though it may be best to wait until next spring to do this). Or take some time to go see a movie or your favorite television show. It’s said that music soothes the savage beast, so try soothing that beast within you by listening to your favorite tunes.
Meditation is a way to quiet the mind. It helps to clear the daily chatter of that voice inside your head telling you to do 5,000 things at once. Meditation can last for a few minutes or for several hours. It is most effective while done in a quiet setting,so find yourself a quiet place and sit in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and rest your hands on your knees or thighs. Take a deep breath through your nose and then exhale out of your nose. Continue deep breathing for the entire time you are mediating. If you find thoughts creeping into your head or begin hearing the chatter of your to-do list, repeat the phrase, “Clear mind. Clear mind. Don’t know.” This phrase is one of many that help to clear the clutter from your mind and create a quiet place within.
Yoga incorporates deep breathing techniques with stretching and mediation that improve your health and well being. You don’t have to be able to twist your body into a pretzel in order to practice yoga. You simply need a desire to improve your health and well being through a compassionate path of experiencing physical activity.
We offer a variety of ways to reduce stress through the university’s campus recreation department and group exercise classes. Feel free to come by and try a class or two or three.