Stress does not harm the individuals who are physically active- Physical Activity takes the sting out of stress!

In other words, when an individual is physically active his body automatically develops a shield to the harmful effects of stress

Stress was an essential survival mechanism which evolved in the days of our hunter-gatherer ancestors who had to fight or flee from the beast. The response to these challenges produced increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system and of the adrenal glands. Adrenaline raised the pulse rate and blood pressure so that more blood would flow to the exercising muscles. The surge of adrenaline and steroids broke down glucose stores and raised blood glucose levels so that the brain (which had to make life saving decisions in a split second) and the muscles (which had to help in fighting or fleeing) were well supplied with their fuel. Blood clotting tendency also increased, to quickly seal off blood loss from any injury sustained during the fight or flight.

When we were catapulted into modernity, the nature of the threats have changed. They are, more often than not, threats to our self-esteem or our tranquillity than to our physical survival. Secondly, the originally intended outlet of fight or flight does not usually operate in current times. So, what happens is that the adrenaline and steroids do surge but the racing pulse, raised blood pressure, elevated blood sugar and thickening blood serve no ‘useful’ purpose. The result is damage to blood vessels, heart attacks, paralytic strokes, diabetes and many more health hazards associated with modern living.

Physical activity and exercise help in coping with stress and minimizing its adverse effects. Physical activity, especially if vigorous, evokes acute stress like responses with respect to pulse rate, blood pressure etc. However, repetitive activity conditions the body to accept more and more challenges with less and less adrenaline rise. Gradually, the body gets used to performing a lot of work at lower heart rates and blood pressure, with higher reserves left to meet further challenges.

Exercise breeds cross tolerance to mental stress too. Persons who are physically active have a less intense adrenaline response to mental or emotional challenges and cope better with stressful situations.