Walk: an underrated tool to release stress

Stress is a part of our everyday lives. When stressed, your body releases adrenaline, a hormone that helps you fight or flee.

It raises your heart rate, tightens your muscles, and heightens your alertness.

Walking is easily the most underrated tool to help with anxiety.

Chronic stress leads to a constant stream of adrenaline in your system. This keeps your body in a heightened state of tension, which over time can cause fatigue, anxiety, poor sleep, and even heart problems.

So we need a quick, simple, easy fix. In one word, walking.

You have probably already done it. Pacing your room or home when anxious. Except, I am asking you to do it with intent.

Tell yourself that you are going to release the adrenaline. Go for a short walk. Even two minutes helps.

Walking acts like a pressure valve for your nervous system. It burns off the adrenaline that your body has accumulated.

The gentle rhythm of walking tells your brain that you are safe. You switch from fight-flight to rest and digest.

Walking also improves blood flow to the brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision-making and emotional control.

The improved blood flow will stimulate the lymphatic system. The excess toxins will be eliminated.

If you could do this out in the bright sunlight, magic will happen.

You will experience it as feeling more clear-headed and less reactive. It's not just in your head.

It is a real thing.

Many people believe that doing something vigorous helps release stress. I am not against vigorous exercise. It is wonderful for you.

But vigorous exercise increases your adrenaline and activates your body.

Sometimes what you need is to steady the ship, slow down and do just enough to get the anxiety out of your body.

Reach out to me on twitter @rbawri Instagram @riteshbawriofficial and YouTube at www.youtube.com/breatheagain