The Endorphin Rush

• Physical activity stimulates production of endorphins, the neurotransmitter chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. The effect is like a natural high that acts as an anti-depressant, boosting your mood with a psychological lift that lasts long after you've stopped moving.
  
  

Anger Management

• A high-stress environment leads to a buildup of frustration and anger, which can often manifest in inappropriate ways, like irritability or even road rage. If you find yourself snapping at your family with little reason, put on your walking shoes and hit a scenic trail. For best effect on anger issues, avoid crowds and find a place that harbors solitude and peaceful ambiance. In addition to the endorphin rush, you'll clear your head, absorb the beauty of your surroundings, and possibly work out some problems. You'll come home happier and less inclined to snap.
  
  

Pride

• Exercise lends an undeniable sense of pride of accomplishment. Doing something healthy and good for you will boost confidence and self-esteem. Getting in shape is a powerful tool for improving general outlook. As it changes the way you see yourself, it will also change the way others see you.
  
  

Better Health

• Great health is one less thing to stress over, and exercise is the best thing you can do to improve your health. Even people with health issues can find something they can do to improve. Simply walking is a great exercise, but if you can't walk, find a water aerobics class or take a yoga class designed to improve flexibility.
  
  

Sleep

• We all need seven to eight hours of solid, uninterrupted sleep, but who gets that these days? Getting exercise during the day will help you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper. Better rest equals less stress.
  
  

Focus and Energy

• Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain and oxygen to the lungs, which helps improve focus and increases energy, resulting in increased productivity. Before you attack a thorny problem or when your energy flags in the afternoon, try a 20-minute walk to jumpstart your brain.
  
  We all have to live with stressful situations, but we do not have to live with the anxiety, irritability, loss of concentration, loss of sleep, health issues, and depression that result from daily stress. Anyone can reap the benefits of the effects of exercise on stress by getting in just 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity each day.