The Best Four Sports to Release Stress
Nowadays, stress has become a very common ailment in the lives of many people. A hectic lifestyle, busy work schedule, and finding it hard to combine family and work-related activities are some of the main factors that lead to a stress burn-out. To decrease the severity of the consequences, we want to share some sports with you, that may help to naturally release stress.
If you’re going through a stressful period in your life, you must know that sports are one of the best options to achieve the peace of mind you’re looking for. Not every sport is a good option. Some disciplines may have no impact, and others may even increase your stress levels.
After reading this article, all you need to do is choose the sport that fits your current physical condition. Releasing stress while staying fit is very satisfying. Check it out for yourself!
Sports alternatives to release stress
1. Swimming
Getting in the pool and putting on your swim cap, ear plugs, and goggles will help to distance you from the stressful things going on in your life. Once you start swimming, you won’t be able to see or hear anything that may disturb you.
When you’re in the water, the only thing you have to worry about is coordinating the movements of your body. After each training session, you can perform some relaxation exercises that are as simple as staying afloat in the water.
You will not only benefit from performing such a complete sport, but also from the environment in which you’re practicing it. Getting into a pool is nothing like going to a gym. The silence and the water will be very beneficial to help you relax.
A good tip is to apply a relaxing lotion after swimming. You’ll notice how the stress goes away and you’ll go home feeling relaxed.
2. Zumba
Zumba is, without a doubt, one of the best sports to release stress. After a hard day at work, the best thing you can do is start dancing to your favorite music.
You can also practice this sport with a group of friends. If you convince them to sign up to a class, you’ll have a different way to spend time together.
While enjoying this fun activity, you’ll also be performing a high-intensity sport. Since doing Zumba is so much fun, you won’t even notice it, but you’ll be burning around 800 calories per session.
The best part is that there are a lot of places that offer Zumba lessons. Gyms, leisure centers, and other public places are some of the options you have when looking for a Zumba class. There are no excuses; you’ll surely find a place where you can move and dance near your home!
3. Running
Sometimes, all you need is to put on your shoes and go for a good run to get away from all your problems. It’s one of those simple sports that will help you release the stress you’ve accumulated throughout the day.
If you complement it with a relaxing shower and a light dinner when you get home, you’ll end up with a totally relaxing situation.
Running is especially beneficial for people with long working hours and a job that doesn’t require them to move a lot during the day. Those people can benefit from practicing an outdoor sport. Being in contact with nature will help to clear your mind and release your stress levels.
If you choose outdoor sports as a way to release your stress, we recommend doing it with a partner. That way, you won’t find it so hard to get out of the house, even if you’re tired, because you know there’s someone waiting for you.
An added benefit is that you’ll have the time to hang out and talk with your friend or partner about different subjects to take your mind off of work, all of this while working out.
4. Boxing, indispensable among sports to release stress
The last option in this list of sports to release stress is boxing. There are only a few activities that are more calming than punching something. Boxing is actually more than just punching things. It involves having control over your body, focusing, showing intelligence and mastering your strength.
To gain all of those abilities, start taking boxing lessons. You’ll see it’s totally worth it. From the very first session, you’ll notice how you loosen up, and you’ll go home feeling relaxed. You’ll also work on other interesting aspects such as strength or coordination. And of course, boxing also helps to burn a considerable number of calories.
We can assure you there are no better alternatives to these sports to release stress. Remember that while they’re fun and relaxing, they also offer every benefit that other physical activities have. Don’t hesitate to try them!
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Fernández-Castillo, E., Molerio Perez, O., Grau, R., & Cruz Peña, A. (2012). Ansiedad y Estrés. Ansiedad y Estrés. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anyes.2016.03.001 113
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