Exercise and how it helps with stress

Happy 2026. Happy 2026! or Happy 2026?

Three versions of the same phrase but with entirely different meanings all because of a little end mark. Sincerely, I hope you have had a Happy (!) start to 2026. If the news is anything to go by, it's a hard time out there and some of us are doing it tough. The economy's a little sluggish, unemployment is rising, and that much-loved kiwi butter ain't getting any cheaper, and all of this has flow-on effects for us all. The cost of living crisis is well reported on, but what's easy to forget is how long we've been working through the impacts of it. In a nutshell, life is hard and expensive, and for many, that means worrying about what you'll eat, where you'll live, and whether or not you have enough to make ends meet. And it's not just individuals; companies and large organizations are under pressure too. Last year saw the highest number of liquidations since the Global Financial Crisis (2,867 in NZ in 2025 alone), and the remaining companies are reducing costs, looking for efficiencies, and squeezing the lemon. In other words, it's tough!

At work, that can add up to pressure, and at home, that can feel like many things such as fatigue and tiredness.

One would be forgiven for feeling a little bit stressed in times like these.

You can find a lot of resources like here at Anxiety NZ What is stress and how to manage it | Anxiety NZ

Exercise reduces stress by lowering body stress hormones (adrenaline, cortisol) and triggering the release of endorphins—natural, feel-good chemicals that enhance mood and act as natural painkillers. It acts as "meditation in motion," focusing the mind on movement rather than worries, while improving sleep, increasing self-confidence, and fostering resilience to future stress.

Key ways exercise helps with stress include:

Endorphin Boost: Physical activity increases beta-endorphins in the brain, creating a sense of relaxation and "runner's high."

Reduced Stress Hormones: Exercise lowers levels of cortisol and adrenaline, which are responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response.

Meditation in Motion: Focusing on body movements during activities like yoga, running, or swimming helps distract the mind from daily irritations.

Improved Sleep and Energy: Regular exercise promotes better sleep quality, which enhances mood and coping abilities.

Increased Resilience: It helps the body's systems—cardiovascular, digestive, and immune—practice working together to handle stress more efficiently.

Recommended Activity:

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week.

Activities like walking, jogging, cycling, dancing, or, for mental benefits, yoga and Tai Chi, are effective.

So, how are you? Good, I hope! And if you're not, that's okay too, and if a walk around the block doesn't help, free call or text 1737.

Take care out there, you got this!