You’ve heard exercise is good for you. You even feel better after you do it, so you know it’s doing something good. But what does it do, exactly, and how can it help relieve stress? Exercise benefits the body in very specific ways. Here are some of the benefits of moderate exercise:

• Stronger muscles
• Better flexibility
• Increased heart and lung efficiency
• Decreased risk of developing heart disease
• Decreased risk of developing lung disease
• Improved overall circulation
• Reduced cholesterol levels
• Reduced blood pressure
• Strengthened immune system
• Decrease in excess body fat
• Increased energy
• Decreased symptoms of depression
• Decreased symptoms of arthritis
• Decreased risk of diabetes and decreased risk of complications from diabetes
• Decreased risk of osteoporosis and decreased risk of complications from osteoporosis
• Improved quality of sleep and decrease in insomnia
• Increased mental acuity
• Improved posture
• Improved self-image
• Decreased frequency of injuries in daily life
• Decreased effects of stress
• Improved ability to manage stress

 Not only does exercise help the body deal with the physical effects of stress, but it helps the mind to feel  more in control and able to manage stress. Add to that the positive effect exercise has on so many other disorders and its ability to help prevent so many physical problems, and you’ve got a stress management tool that is both preventive and proactive.