Sport is a natural stress reliever. As well as being vitally important for preventing illness and maintaining physical wellbeing, regular physical activity helps you relax, clears your head, improves the quality of sleep, helps bolster your immune system and – makes you happy!
Science also confirms this. Taking part in sports stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals produced by the brain, whose powerful analgesic and stimulating activity ensure peace of mind and good humour. In addition, according to a study conducted at the University of Arizona, people who regularly engage in sports produce less adrenalin and, as a result, are calmer and more relaxed. What’s more, according to the American researchers at Duke University, 40 minutes’ running a day is enough to increase the production of serotonin, the happiness hormone.
A green light, then, for all sports – especially if done outdoors!
Jogging, cycling, speed walking, hiking, climbing, canoeing, long walks in the woods and Nordic walking are all open-air activities that actively help reduce stress and increase our physical and mental wellbeing. Enjoying the sunlight has a beneficial effect on mood and stimulates our body to produce vitamin D. What’s more, breathing pure air and losing yourself in the charm of nature forgetting the frenzy of the city, is a great way of clearing your head and getting in touch with your innermost being.
In an increasingly hectic and uncertain world like the one we live in, physical activity can play a crucial role in our mental and physical wellbeing. This is why it is important for everyone, young and old, to get into the habit of regular, healthy physical activity, adapted to age and requirements.
Sources:
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