I used to run about 5 miles a day, 5 or 6 days a week. I ran because it helped my cardio vascular system, but even more I ran because of the way it made me feel. I’ve actually heard it said that runners rarely see therapists. That’s because the “runner’s high” is real – and it’s extremely healthy. The good thing is that, if you have never experienced this, you don’t have to be a runner to get a stress-busting endorphin boost.

When you are in the place where endorphins are really kicking in, you are in what athletes call “the zone’. I can tell you from personal experience that there’s no question that once you’re “in the zone,” you feel more powerful, more energetic and more positive than you ever knew was possible.

The question is how do you find your endorphin zone? Most people get into the zone as they engage in a physical activity that gives them a sense of mastery over their body. This can be as you run, walk, dance do aerobics, martial arts, yoga or anything else. It’s when your body is doing what you direct it to do – causing you to feel good.

The great thing about being in the zone is that it causes endorphins to flood your body. Endorphins are small, protein molecules that are produced by cells in your nervous system and other parts of your body. One of the most important roles of endorphins is to work with sedative receptors that are known to relieve common pain. This includes relieving emotional pain cause by stress.

In addition to being one of the best natural ways to relieve stress, one of the biggest benefits of exercise is it builds muscle tone and flexibility. I’m sure you have heard the old saying “use it or lose it”, and it’s true. If you don’t use the muscles in your body they will weaken and atrophy. But the opposite is also true, the more you move, the more your body is capable of doing. That’s also why it’s so important to start your exercise program or activity gradually – so that you don’t damage your muscles by trying to do too much too soon.

The great thing is that as your body begins to enjoy the benefits of movement, your brain will benefit also. Exercise causes more blood to flow to your brain which increases cerebral metabolic activity. This is experienced with higher levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which is one of the many “feel good” natural chemicals your body produces.

Another benefit is that as your activity level increases, so do your beta endorphins. This increase gives you an incredible sense of well-being. That’s what’s so terrific about exercise it’s the best two-for-one special around. As your body begins to want to exercise, your overall sense of satisfaction rises as well thanks to the endorphin boost. So it’s no wonder that mental health professionals are quick to encourage you to get moving as part of shaking off depressed feelings because the endorphin boost can be a strong element in emotional recovery.

Once you have an established an exercise regimen you need to begin stepping it up. As you take your exercise up a notch you keep your endorphin level high. And I can guarantee you that, once you experience it, you will want more. Endorphins trigger a euphoria addiction that affects you in a good kind of way. And if you are exercising outdoors, you get another positive emotional lift of sunshine and fresh air.

Regular, rhythmic activity such as running, walking, jumping rope, bicycling or swimming has an additional tranquilizing influence on the brain which keeps your endorphins flowing. Even after your activity is over, you’ll continue to have a lingering positive impact which will last for several hours. That gives you another reason for exercising early in the morning – so you’ll get your day started on a healthy endorphin high.

So if you are experiencing lots of stress and anxiety in your life you can get relief simply by starting an exercise program. Not only is it one of the best natural ways to relieve stress it will also elevate your mood and keep your body fit making your life much more enjoyable in everything you do. So start your exercise program today!

Wil Dieck is the founder of Total Mind Therapy and author of an e-Course “Steps to reducing your stress“ that you can have at absolutely no charge. Drop by http://www.beststressreliefinfosite.com/ for your copy today