How regular exercise reduces stress

As explained in this article in SCMP you will learn that yoga can help reduce stress.

 A doctor explains how exercise such as yoga, walking and swimming stabilises the production of cortisol, helping us manage stress and relax.

In stressful situations, spikes in cortisol levels trigger the body’s “fight or flight” response, a heightened physiological state in reaction to a stressor.

But it is problematic if levels are persistently high from, say, stress at work or in your private life, or alcohol or caffeine consumption, says German endocrinologist Dr Matthias Kroiss.

“Chronic stress unbalances levels of the hormone,” he says. “This can lead to sleep problems, high blood pressure and even a weakened immune system.”Exercise helps maintain a healthy balance.“People who exercise regularly are often less stressed and have a healthier cortisol curve,” Kroiss says, since regular physical activity stabilises stress hormone production and enables you to relax more quickly.