Intense physical activity can serve as an immediate and effective method to reduce stress and emotional intensity, according to mental health experts. This approach, which might seem counterintuitive, helps individuals regain clarity when feeling overwhelmed.
Shireen Rizvi, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Montefiore Einstein Medical Center and co-author of "Real Skills for Real Life: A DBT Guide to Navigating Stress, Emotions, and Relationships," explained the paradoxical effect. "In that moment of high agitation, you're revving yourself up," she said. When the exercise stops, the heart rate decreases, promoting a sense of calm as endorphins are released.
Rizvi suggests engaging in any activity that quickly elevates heart rate for about 30 seconds, such as running, jumping jacks, or pushups. These techniques are designed to lower emotional intensity, helping individuals move from a high state of distress, like a 100 on a scale, down to an 80, thereby enabling clearer thought and subsequent problem-solving.
Beyond managing acute stress, digital habits also impact well-being. Manoush Zomorodi, host of TED Radio Hour and co-author of "Body Electric: The Hidden Health Costs of the Digital Age and New Science to Reclaim Your Well-Being," highlights that multitasking with multiple devices, often referred to as triple-screening, contributes significantly to feelings of fatigue due to its physiological demands.