Exercise as a way of overcoming anxiety

[kelden]

The harder part is to build up a habit of exercising, you don't become a jock wannabe from a couch potato pushover overnight. And the more ripe you want to be, the harder you have to train.

 

[Laneorexorcist]

I think that this is a really good alternative when it comes to coping with anxiety, it's fun and healthy if you know how to manage it. Even though, I'm not an exercise person at all, I don't have overweight and I think that's one of the main reasons why I don't see it as necessary, I guess. But my sister does a lot of exercise and she's always talking about how good it is for you in all aspects, including the coping with anxiety and relieving stress in general. Who knows, maybe one day I'll try it.

 

[thecorinthian]

When I was still living with my parents I developed a lot of anxiety coming from low self-esteem, insecurity and unemployment. I started running in our subdivision to divert my thoughts and feelings and expel the unhappy energy really. I started feeling better after that and I lost 10 lbs. as well. There really is a benefit to exercising when depressed I recommend it to anyone who's having a hard time right now.

 

[ReadmeByAmy]

The question is does exercising can really beat your anxiety?...Most of us as soon they realized that they had anxiety problem they will seek out at once the help of a doctor or a therapist specializing with this kind of condition. While there are those who does not want to take synthetic medicines they will try some natural remedies which they think can help them. But Studies had shown that the sedentary or inactive lifestyle of a person had something to do with their having anxiety. So therefore an exercise in one way or another is a way of overcoming anxiety.

 

[Corzhens]

When I was diagnosed to have hypertension, I was prescribed maintenance medication. At first, I was okay but maybe the mere fact that I have hypertension made me sad that I was always gloomy. One suggestion is to have a physical activity. Biking was my choice. I bought a bike and rode it in the village park - I seldom go out of the village to avoid road accidents. From my own evaluation of my biking, it not only gave me the physical energy but also my mind got relaxed maybe because of the socializing that I get. There are many riders in the village park not to mention the joggers and the other exercisers. When they get to rest, they chat for so long. Sometimes I join them and I really say that physical activity of biking is good for the body and mind.

 

[sidney]

Exercise does help people be in a good mood, because they release those feel good chemicals like endorphins that make people feel good. However, I don't think it can permanently remove anxiety, because anxiety is usually caused in the mind and triggered by certain situations, so people should make an effort to confront those triggers so that it won't trigger their anxiety.

 

[Deeishere111]

I was talking to a cashier at a drug store on yesterday and we were talking about how exercise makes us feel like having a high. It's so euphoric and exhilarating. It is what our bodies need and I really do believe it helps to relieve stress. I know for me I always feel better. I think we have the tendency to do the opposite and sit around and eat sweets which actually makes me feel worst.

 

[NormaD]

I just started doing Yoga this week for the first time in my life. A friend of mine told me about the benefits of Yoga not just on my body, but on my mind as well, and I thought I might as well try it out. Anything that offers me relief is worth a try in my book. I have to say even though I've only had a couple of classes, I think there is a lot of potential and I can't wait to see what effects it has on my anxiety.

 

[SirJoe]

Exercise is probably one of the best ways of dealing with anxiety. I personally have body issues because I got a little fat, but going to the gym everyday and eating healthy doesn't feel like a struggle anymore because I need to get in shape to be happy, and I would do anything to be a happy person. I can afford to spend one or two hours working out to get to a position where I'm comfortable with my body and how I look.

I think it's all a question of habit. Once you get used to the new routine it doesn't feel as if you are making a sacrifice. The great thing about exercising is that you don't one feel better physically but you become mentally stronger as well.

 

[fuzyon]

I think it's all a question of habit. Once you get used to the new routine it doesn't feel as if you are making a sacrifice. The great thing about exercising is that you don't one feel better physically but you become mentally stronger as well.

Yeah, it's been scientifically proven that exercising can make you mentally tougher and it can improve your mood. I love to go to the gym and sweat my butt off, get a quick shower then take a short nap. I feel refreshed and ready to do anything when I wake up.

 

[NormaD]

Has anyone here ever tried Yoga, or is anyone doing it? I'd like to learn more about it from someone who is practicing it. Im forever trying to improve my body and my mind, and anything that offers benefits to both is worth exploring in my books.

 

[hades_leae]

I feel like I agree, because I remember when I was over weight some time ago. I had a yearly membership at the gym, and I would go work out. I was pretty knowledgeable about my body, and how I needed to work it out so I did.


I became really in shape, and I think that was part of the reason why I did not have some anxiety when it came down to my body. My confidence went up and every time I'm in the mall, or walking somewhere, and I see women looking at me, I don't tll myself that she is making fun of my fat anymore, I tell myself that she is probably checking me out because she likes what she sees.

 

[SirJoe]

Yeah, it's been scientifically proven that exercising can make you mentally tougher and it can improve your mood. I love to go to the gym and sweat my butt off, get a quick shower then take a short nap. I feel refreshed and ready to do anything when I wake up.

It's one of the natural ways of releasing dopamine. It might be tough in the beginning but once you get started tour whole outlook on life changes. The ideal way to start is slowly, there are too many people rushing out and burning themselves out on the first day. The next day they are full of aches and pains and won't start again until the next week if ever again.

 

[DDNatureLover]

I always feel better when I'm getting more exercise on a regular basis. It helps me to relieve excess stress, and seems to reset my brain, especially when I'm overwhelmed and am unable to let go of whatever I'm obsessing about. Being out in nature always helps me to focus on what's around me in the real world, and not on potential things that can or will go wrong, as well, so I prefer to get my exercise out in nature.


I have tried a little bit of yoga, but it exacerbated my physical issues. I tried tai chi in the past as well, but it was too slow for me. Nature walks and stretching seem to help me the most, and when I'm able, swimming, or even walking in water help, as well.

 

[Corzhens]

I agree with the exercise as a good diversion against anxiety. In fact, a friend suggested biking so I can have an exercise at the same time. It was a good suggestion because I did not only lose some weight but I also gained some acquaintances. I would be biking in the village park and there are many joggers and exercisers in the morning and in the afternoon. With the bikers, there are around 20 or so every day so it is fun to be there especially when I have lots of time. Maybe it is the energy that I get from biking that gives me the strength to deaden the anxiety or perhaps it is the diversion because I seem to be focused on my bike. Even when I get home, I would still be thinking of my biking and the people I meet in the park.

 

[Daves]

Being a skinny person I had never seen the need to exercise which is terrible. I recently started doing kick boxing, it's the one place I can let go and not care what people think. It took a little getting used to when I first started but now I can't stop. Its a great stress release

 

[Hoop3]

I find exercise helps with some of my obsessive thinking. Working out to the point of exhaustion makes it difficult to think of anything else, and then I have a reset on the whole thought process for a little while. Also working out doing something that requires focus, like playing badminton, or martial arts, helps redirect my thinking. I'm sure the endorphins help too.

 

[RichE8475]

A couple of years ago I had been going to Planet Fitness on a daily basis. I got myself into a routine and was losing weight. After three months I was feeling like a different person and I was doing more. I hate that I let a bad relationship get in the way of all the progress I made. I am in a situation now that it is so hard, because of the anxiety and depression, to get out of bed some days or work out. I do feel that if I would exercise my anxiety would decrease. Having body dysmorphic disorder makes me embarrassed to go out where anyone can see me. I am hoping to start working out again soon.

 

[misszerable]

I have always turned to walking to relieve stress and anxiety. It doesn't even have to be outdoors. I would often walk back and forth in the living room while my mind is somewhere else. If I do anything more strenuous than walking, it doesn't provide as much benefit in terms of relieving the anxiety because I'll get anxious about contracting injuries. I guess I'm not as physically healthy as most people. 

 

[Natasha0717]

I have had on and off runs with my shape and how it affected my self-image, level of confidence and anxiety. Although I have never been obese but just a little chubby, I seriously engaged in exercising and keeping in shape which resulted in weight loss. This has improved my level of confidence but didn't make my anxiety problems go away. Right now I am continuing exercise and strict diet but I sense that I am doing it just because I like being hard of myself, and the feeling of privation which somehow make me worry less

Exercise can be a tricky thing when it comes to anxiety.  Yes, it helps you get in shape...which helps boost your confidence.  And if social phobia/anxiety is your thing, then exercise will do you a world of good.


However, to treat anxiety in general, I'm not so sure exercise is the best place to turn.  Don't get me wrong, some light walking is a GREAT stress-reliever, but anything more than that...that's where I run into some problems.  I've noticed that whenever I would do some real, pulse-pounding exercise of any kind, I would always have trouble sleeping that night.  Wouldn't matter what time of day or night I would do the exercise, it just had a way of "revving me up", and I felt all wired and kind of wild for the rest of the day, especially at night when it was time to sleep.  And even if I would fall asleep, I would keep waking up every half hour.  THAT'S when I finally made the connection, and now I only do very, very, light exercise to keep in shape.  And the walking (but slow, easy walking - like a stroll) is still great for releasing some stress.  I do some yoga poses too, but to be honest, I really don't know what the heck I'm doing.  haha  (Still learning.)   :laugh: