Controlling your stress is the key for a healthy life. As we talked about in the last blog, gratitude is very important, but exercise is as well.

Intense, physical exercise that raises your heart rate, releases all kinds of chemicals in your body that affect your mood. I am sure you have heard of “runner’s high”. You can be any age to do this, it is all relative.

Get on an elliptical, ride a bike, go for a run, or swim, it does not matter. What you need to do is raise your heart rate for 60-90 seconds and then rest, allowing you heart rate to lower. You will probably have to rest about 5 minutes for your heart rate to lower to its normal resting rate.

Do this 5-6 times twice per week. The key is to really push yourself. Then strength training, yoga and some cardio are great ways to help keep your body running smoothly.

This type of exercise is called “high intensity interval training” and it is the best form of exercise for your heart and nervous system.

Do this consistently for 90 days and watch your mood improve and stress levels subside.

Take charge of your health!