How do you deal with stress? If your answer involves moving your body and enjoying some type of physical activity, then you’re on the right track. In a 2001 Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) survey, just over 20% answered that they used physical activity as a strategy for coping with stress.

Why does physical activity work to reduce stress? Recent research has found that physical activity encourages the brain to make more of certain types of brain chemicals that improve mood and make us feel good. Regular physical activity also reduces the level of certain types of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can have a negative effect on our health and increase our risk of certain diseases.

In addition to the “chemical” benefits, physical activity can also be used as a coping strategy:

To relax

Certain types of activities “stretch” our muscles and help reduce tension that we may feel. Examples include yoga, tai chi, and stretching exercises. In general, any activity that you enjoy and that make your joints bend and stretch (e.g. dancing, bowling) are great.

To help problem solve

While we are active, we have dedicated time that we can use to work through problems and come up with solutions.

To develop self-confidence

The sense of accomplishment that we feel when finishing a walk, hitting a long tee shot in golf or raking the yard free of leaves increases our sense of self confidence and makes us feel good about ourselves.

To be a positive distraction

While we are active, we are taking some time for ourselves to “escape” from any worries we may have. This positive mental break may be all a person needs to refresh and refocus.

In addition, using physical activity as a coping strategy may lead to other positive lifestyle changes including a healthier diet, quitting smoking and

drinking less alcohol.

Source: Canadian Mental Health Association. (April 20, 2001). The 2001 Canadian Mental Health

Survey: A COMPAS Report to the Canadian Mental Health Association.