Lying down on the sofa and resting, in fact, is not the best way when you’re feeling overwhelmed with the daily pressure.

Experts agree that exercise is the key to relieving stress. Those who work out regularly reduce their stress levels, improve their mood, and enhance their mental health.

But where does stress come from?

There are a lot of reasons why the body and mind react to stress such as work, family, daily routine… Stressors (things that cause strain or tension) may vary from person to person since each one have a different perception of it. That’s why some situations might be a threat for some people, while others consider them eustress  (positive stress) that pushes them to a higher performance level.

But when stress occurs frequently or constantly, and the body is unable to manage it, it is felt as something negative.

Is canoeing a Stress-Reliever?

The answer is Yes! Exercise helps our bodies and minds regain balance in today’s world. See what science says about it:

Physical exertion and sports…

…are controlled by the motor cortex in our brains. When we move, this area is hard at work and requires much of the resources available to the entire brain. The result is that the prefrontal cortex, which controls our emotional response to stress, lacks resources – it simply cannot maintain the state of being stressed. Its activity level decreases, and the stress level is reduced. 

Canoeing is a great way to reduce stress because when you’re paddling, your body produces endorphins, which elevate your mood. Plus, as it is an outdoor activity, it gives you a great sense of freedom. You learn to focus on the essentials and not get distracted. 

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)Runtastic