www.ctxguide.com
Log in Register Profile Log in to check your private messages FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups
Benefits of Adventure Sports

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Connecticut Explorer''''s Guide Forum Index -> Feature Articles
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
ctxguide
Site Admin


Joined: 01 Jan 1970
Posts: 2422

PostPosted: Sun Jun 10, 2007 2:37 pm    Post subject: Benefits of Adventure Sports Reply with quote

[b]Innate Therapeutic Benefits of Adventure Sports[/b]
Much of the material has been derived from Exercise and stress By Barbara A. Brehm, Ed.D.; for the full article, go to http://www.fitnessmanagement.com/FM/tmpl/genPage.asp?p=/information/articles/library/labnotes/labnotes896.html




Routine physical exertion, relaxation, and pleasurable experiences (such as engaging in adventure sports) have been shown to decrease stress, anxiety and depression, and to improve self-esteem through an improved self-image.

According to Barbara A. Brehm, Ed.D., "intense physical exercise causes biochemical changes that mimic drug-induced euphoria," which if following a strict routine may help with lowering prescribed dosage of medications. "The most publicized of these has focused on a group of chemical messengers found in the central nervous system called opioids, since they are similar in structure and function to the drugs that come from the poppy flower: opium, morphine and heroin. Beta-endorphin belongs to this group. Opioids not only inhibit pain, but seem to have other roles in the brain as well, such as aiding in memory and learning and registering emotions. It is difficult for scientists to measure opioid concentrations in the central nervous system of humans, but animal research has suggested opioid concentrations increase with level of exercise -- more exercise, more opioids. These chemicals may help the body recover from prolonged exercise, as they seem to enhance mechanisms important during this period -- raising pain threshold, slowing heart rate, decreasing blood pressure and enhancing relaxation while inhibiting the fight or flight response. Some research suggests that changes in the concentration of certain chemical messages called neurotransmitters may play a role in causing the positive mood associated with exercise. In particular, norepinephrine and serotonin concentrations have been shown to change with exercise, at least in animals. Since abnormal levels of these chemicals have been associated with depression in humans, it has been speculated that the antidepressant effect of exercise may involve improving regulation of these substances in the brain.

After working hard, muscles relax. One study measuring the electrical activity of muscle found that activities such as walking, jogging and bicycling decrease muscle tension by more than 50 percent for up to 90 minutes after exercise. Physical relaxation translates into mental relaxation as well. This exercise afterglow of relaxation is an important part of exercise's anti-stress value for many people. Rhythmic exercises such as walking, running, rowing and swimming increase alpha-wave activity in the brain. The electrical activity of the brain can be monitored in the laboratory using an instrument called an electroencephalogram (EEG). Alpha waves are associated with a calm mental state, such as that produced by meditation or chanting. The rhythmic breathing that occurs during some forms of exercise also contributes to an increase in alpha-wave activity. Rhythmic activity performed to music may be stress-relieving in other ways as well. Some research suggests that regular exercise of moderate intensity may provide a sort of dress rehearsal for stress. Several studies have found that people who exercise regularly have less of a physical response to laboratory stressors, such as difficult mental arithmetic tests. Other studies have found that physically fit subjects recover more quickly than sedentary peers from stressors such as cold exposure or emotional frustration. Last of all, the physical part of physical activity may be only part of the stress-management story. Physical activities, especially those in awe-inspiring outdoor settings, may provide a diversion from sources of stress. When you are actively engaged in tasks demanding concentration and motor skills, it's hard to keep your mind on your worries. Exercise may relieve boredom or provide opportunities for social interaction. Perhaps most important of all, physical activity can be fun, and, to quote the famous children's author Dr. Seuss, "fun is good." "

Increasing self esteem helps to build Ego-Strength which helps to improve the individuals Locus of Control to be able to take responsibility for their own actions and to be able to implement new coping/social/life skills. Self-Esteem can be increased by learning new skills that a person can be proud of, such as technical climbing, technical mountain biking, or wilderness travel. Likewise, the number of positive reinforcement and support a person receives each day can also increase self-esteem. Comments like “good job”, “good try”, “excellent”, and “you are doing much better” can have a very powerful effect on the individual’s self-esteem. These comments are typical in groups that have mentors such as outdoor clubs or schools. Supportive comments such as “you can do it,” “you’re ok,” and “I’m here for you,” help to reinforce perceived level of ability which can be generalized outside of that particular support system.

Additionally, improving self-esteem may be an important part of helping those with schizophrenia. Self-esteem helps to build Ego-Strength which is considered extremely weak in schizophrenics. This may help to increase their ability to fight against the whims of their Id and Super-Ego which is considered the root of their psychotic episodes. There doesn’t seem to be much research in this area, but the idea makes sense. At the very least, having a strong self-esteem helps schizophrenic patients to be able to live a more independent and productive life.

The symptoms of low self-esteem include: makes negative "I am" statements, fears new experiences and changes; lacks trust, has exaggerated responses to defeats or disappointments; wants to be perfect, but sees self as far from perfect, frequently boasts; exaggerates successes to cover up feelings of inadequacy, eager to please; strong need for approval and constant support, neglects physical appearance to an extreme degree, demonstrates poor eye contact, strong need for material possessions, reluctant to express own ideas; lacks belief in self, lacks accountability; feels hopeless, lacks energy; passive; sees small task as very large and intimidating, low level of self-awareness; uses lots of energy to maintain a false image, excessively anxious, overly sensitive to criticism, but overly critical of others, psychologically isolated; lacks a supportive network, has frequent psychosomatic complaints, habitually puts others down., focuses on the past.

The symptoms of stress include: memory problems, difficulty making decisions, inability to concentrate, confusion, negative outlook on life, repetitive or racing thoughts, poor judgment, loss of objectivity, desire to escape, moody and hypersensitive, restlessness and anxiety, depression, anger and resentment, easily irritated and on edge, sense of being overwhelmed, lack of confidence, apathy, and an urge to laugh or cry at inappropriate times.

The symptoms of depression are the following: depressed mood, loss of interest and pleasure, appetite or weight changes, sleep changes, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue and loss of energy, self-loathing, concentration problems, irritability, and physical aches and pains.

The symptoms of anxiety include: apprehension, uneasiness, dread, impaired concentration, feeling restless or on edge, avoidance, irritability, confusion, nervousness and jumpiness, self-consciousness and insecurity, fear that your are dying or going crazy, and a strong desire to escape. Physical symptoms include: heart palpitations and racing pulse, chest pain, hot or cold flashes, cold & clammy hands, upset stomach, frequent urination or diarrhea, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, tremors, twitches, jitters, muscle tension or aches, headaches, fatigue, and insomnia.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Google
Sponsor





PostPosted: Sun Jun 10, 2007 2:37 pm    Post subject: Advertisement

Back to top
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Connecticut Explorer''''s Guide Forum Index -> Feature Articles All times are GMT
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group