Australians urged to stress less through exercise
National Stress Down Day — 24 July 2015
July 22, 2015
Stress: It’s impacting the majority of Australians and is estimated to be costing the nation’s businesses in excess of $10 billion in absenteeism and reduced productivity each year*.
With national Stress Down Day taking place on Friday, 24 July, Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) has issued a call for Australians to ramp up their physical activity levels in order to bring down their stress levels.
ESSA Executive Officer Anita Hobson-Powell said according to recent research findings from Lifeline’s National Stress Poll 2015**, 90 per cent of Australians experienced some level of stress regarding work, finances, thoughts about the future, health and personal relationships.
“The report showed work is the major cause of stress in people’s lives, with 50 per cent of respondents reporting it causes them a little stress and 24 per cent indicating it causes them a lot of stress,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“Stress can have a variety of physiological, mental and emotional impacts, and without relief, can result in issues such as elevated blood pressure, sleeping problems, headaches and chest pain. It can also suppress immune function within the body and worsen existing conditions, which is very concerning.”
Ms Hobson-Powell said one of the simplest ways to minimise stress levels was to participate in regular physical activity.
“Exercise is proven to enhance your mood, reduce fatigue and restlessness and improve sleep quality,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“It also enhances cognitive function and assists the mind to focus.”
Ms Hobson-Powell said a recent study from the University of New England*** had also indicated that specific types of physical activity could have differing effects on exercise participants, particularly in a work environment.
“Research participants undertook a four-week program of either no exercise, cardiovascular exercise or resistance training as part of the study,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“While both groups that exercised saw all participants claim to feel less stress and greater overall wellbeing, those who participated in cardiovascular activity reported feeling less pressure and exhaustion at work.”
“On the other hand, the strength training participants reported feeling more of a personal sense of accomplishment as well as reduced job-related stress.”
“While it would be interesting to explore the correlation between certain types of exercise and their specific effects in more depth, this study certainly indicates that there are a range of positive stress-reducing benefits can be reaped from exercising.”
Ms Hobson-Powell said Australians needed to take action now to reduce their stress levels, especially with modern generations becoming increasingly time-poor.
“Adults aged between 18 and 35 are currently reporting much higher levels of stress compared with older Australians****, so measures need to be taken to ensure this trend does not spiral out of control and continue through to future generations,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“While it may be difficult at first, try to exercise regularly and you will soon feel the difference. As you notice your fitness improve and your body getting stronger, you’re more likely to continue the positive momentum and make better decisions about your health.”
To get in touch with an accredited exercise physiologist who can create a customised exercise program for you and your family or to find out more tips for incorporating physical activity into your day, please visit www.essa.org.au.
Fast facts**
• 90 per cent of Australians are experiencing some stress
• 99 per cent of people aged 18-19 are experiencing some stress
• Four in 10 Australians are experiencing a lot of stress
• Being single is generally more stressful than being in a relationship, with only 34 per cent of partnered respondents experiencing a lot of stress, compared those who were single (52 per cent)
• Women are generally more stressed than men
// Ends.
Media contact
Kristen Roder, Fresh PR & Marketing
P: 0406 546 461
E: kristen@freshprm.com.au
Sources:
*2013, Safe Work Australia, Incidence of accepted workers’ compensation claims for mental stress.
**2015, Lifeline Australia, National Stress Poll 2015, https://www.dropbox.com/sh/59i8ng84kxcshxx/AADM1axXIu946_4nHlWLFyP2a?dl=0
***2015, Rachel Judith Bretland and Einar Baldvin Thorsteinsson (University of New England), Reducing workplace burnout: the relative benefits of cardiovascular and resistance exercise, https://peerj.com/articles/891.pdf.
****2014, Australian Psychological Society, Stress and wellbeing in Australia survey 2014, https://www.psychology.org.au/Assets/Files/2014-APS-NPW-Survey-WEB-reduced.pdf.
About ESSA
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is the peak professional body for exercise and sports science in Australia and provides national leadership and advocacy on key issues. It supports its 4,500-plus members and the community through fostering excellence in professional practice, education, training and research.
Website: www.essa.org.au
Official media spokesperson for this release
Anita Hobson-Powell
Executive Officer, Exercise & Sports Science Australia
E: Anita.Hobson-Powell@essa.org.au
P: 07 3862 4122
M: 0400 519 800
[nggallery id=51]
