Mild physical activity is excellent for stress reduction. Systemic muscle relaxation, massage, yoga, stretching, tai chi, and deep breathing or flexibility classes are all forms of mild physical activity. These types of activities can calm the nervous system and organ systems, reduce muscle tension, increase flexibility, improve balance, and sooth the mind. Stretching activities can loosen connective tissue, lengthen muscles, and improve range of  motion.
        Moderate physical activity includes a variety of chores and sports. This type of activity is more intense than the ones listed above, and can reduce risk of mortality, diabetes, CVD/heart disease, and some cancers. These types of activity improve ones mood, reduce anxiety, and make daily tasks of living easier. These activites would include brisk walking, vaccuuming, biking, social dancing, gardening, water aerobics, fishing, volleyball, and stairclimbing. Some forms of yoga would also be included, and some forms of strength training (body weight exercises, light movement). Moderate activity is designed to burn calories, and requires more effort and work by the body systems. When choosing moderate activity, find one that is enjoyable and that can be done 3-6 days a week. If you do not enjoy the activity, it will become a stressor rather than de-stressor!
        Try to do anywhere from 15-60 minutes of the activity, depending on your age and health. I personally probably do 45 minutes of walking a day, 5-10 stairclimbing, and maybe another 30-60minutes of cardio activity (bike/jog) if I am training for a show. An older adult  starting an exercise program would suffice with some light cleaning, maybe 15 minutes of light stationary biking, and 30 minutes of light walking.