Exercise as a way of overcoming anxiety

[CarlosTL]

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

 

[Robilas]

Exercising is a great way to fight against your anxiety, but it's not straightforward. If your anxiety depends on your self confidence and your body, then hitting the gym will be great for you. For example I was afraid to engage in conversations because I was too self-conscious about my body, especially if I needed to talk with girls. After getting in shape and losing some weight I feel more confident and more "social".


Of course if your problems don't depend mostly on your body, exercising won't solve all your issues, but it can be a good start.

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

However, if you feel like it doesn't bring you any benefit try a different approach. Exercise to improve, to get in shape and to feel better, don't do it just to be hard with yourself because it won't help you at all.

 

[gracer]

Exercise can help bring out endorphins which help make a person feel better and more energized. I guess it's what helps a person somehow relieve his/her stress and anxieties. I for one find it helpful to do physical work or keep myself busy whenever I feel stressed, anxious or depressed. I find physical activities especially the ones which require a lot of effort helpful not just in keeping my body busy but most especially in preoccupying my mind with them other than just thinking about what makes me anxious.

 

[Sue]

I have always found that going for a walk and spending time with nature has helped me relax and it does help with my anxiety. I also found that when I feel good about myself my anxiety is easier to deal with. If I keep myself busy then I have less time to thing and dwell on things that are out of my control. I haven't been well lately so I haven't been able to get out much and I find that anxiety and depression are really setting in. It is a constant struggle to keep my head above water and not let it consume me.

 

[shcoo]

Exercise is always the number one recommendation people have for my mental health, but it is so hard for me to find the motivation and discipline. Even if I find workout plans or videos online and plan to follow along, I cannot make myself do it for more than a week.


While I've never been diagnosed with an eating disorder, I do notice that when I try to start these exercise routines I keep my eyes on the scale and also start restricting food for weeks or months afterwards as well.


I try to spend some time outdoors with my pets and get fresh air, but it's hard to go running now in the summer because I am very prone to heat stroke/heat exhaustion.

 

[MellowCat]

Sometimes exercise helps me and sometimes it doesn't. I'm not exactly sure why. There have been times when an hour-long walk have made me feel like a new person. Other times, I've specifically gotten up early to go for a walk in the cool morning air, feeling energized and motivated the night before, only to realize that I don't want to put on socks let alone go outside. Sometimes I still walk, and then feel shitty afterwards in spite of it. So I don't know if there is really any one certain answer, and of course it's also going to be different from person to person.

 

[Theazzz]

Well yeah... Exercise does help with anxiety. It does depend whether or not your anxiety is linked to discomforts with your self image. Nice that it drove you to exercise and keep in shape, but you'll have to decide if you're getting to the stage of overdoing it because you're still insecure about your image. Over-exercising stresses the body and counteractively leads to weight gain.

 

[amy88]

I definitely think for me, exercise is a big help in managing my anxiety. If anything, going out for a run just gets my mind off whatever it is that's making me stressed - it helps when all I have to focus on is my breathing and the route I'm taking, and putting one foot in front of the other.


I think that working out also makes me feel more positive about my appearance, and in turn that also helps me feel better when communicating with others - it just makes me less self conscious.

 

[beautifullybree]

I've always heard anxiety is cured with excersice. I haven't had much luck personally, but I have wondered if it was true. I've never been the healthiest, and could definitely be it from some exercise. Its hard for me to get motivated. I feel like people judge you for exercising in public. "Did you see that fat girls stomach jiggle? She should really excercise inside!" Maybe that is my lack of self confidence talking.

 

[Alex]

Exercise has never worked for me, because I am usually tired from not eating or sleeping and am more likely to do an injury. For some it may work depending on where they live and their living situation. I did have a gym membership but when you are anxious you don't really want to interact with people and smile, and if you live in a tiny apartment and share there is no room.


It's not always practical or possible, but sometimes it can make you more anxious if you need to lose weight and it's not happening. That's my take on it, and it's not for me, but a walk is good to get fresh air (if there is any) and some mild exercise.

 

[emmaruthnagano]

This is a perfect way not to get rid your anxiety but to make you feel so much happy. At the end of your work out, you will be tired but have that satisfaction. Also, you will gain confidence as you know you are working on your body. Keep working out to make you forget what you are anxious about.

 

[justsayyes]

Exercise really is a big help for me to fight against anxiety. I feel good about myself after doing exercises, it makes me feel like I've accomplished something. I guess I'm very self conscious of my body and doing something that helps me elevate my self image just makes me so happy.

 

[Laneorexorcist]

I really don't like to do exercise, I have a terrible physical condition even if I'm really skinny. But I definitely see what you mean, I'm also a trans man and when the dysphoria starts to hit, doing some push ups or working on my abs makes me feel a little bit better about myself. But at the end of the day I don't do it on a regular basis, but I'm aware that I'm going to need to get this habit sooner or later, and what a better place to start than foing it now?

 

[SirJoe]

Exercise is a great way to make you feel good both mentally and physically. It's important to choose the right place to do your exercises in. It has to be a place were you feel completely comfortable and relaxed and avoid places that might make your anxiety act up.

 

[fuzyon]

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.

 

[rz3300]

Well it is probably the first answer that you will get from anyone in terms of ways to beat depression, stress and many other conditions, and that is the case for a reason....it works. Exercise works in all areas of life, and nobody will ever disprove that. It is amazing to me how I can still not exercise some days even when I know that it will make me feel better, which really begs the question that another user has asked at this forum and that is whether sometimes we are afraid to be happy. I am not sure, but it is certainly interesting to think about.

 

[joshposh]

I use it all the time. I relieves all sorts of tension and anxiety that builds up during the day. The best part about it is that you don't need a prescription to obtain it. This day and age everyone is looking for a numbing agent that you can purchase, when there is a actual known remedy that is free.

 

[NormaD]

Exercise never fails to help me feel better when I'm feeling particularly anxious. I love Zumba and I put on the exercise video and get busy for about twenty minutes every day. It goes a long way toward helping me maintain a good feeling throughout the day. I can really feel the difference in my energy levels and in my mood when I don't do my daily exercise.

 

[djordjem87]

This is one of the most important things in my fight with anxiety and other disorders that I have. I really train a lot and mostly I am running. I have ran several half marathons and some cross fit races and I am generally in very good shape. It is summer now so I ride my bike everyday at least 15 km and I have my daily routines at home because I do not fancy gyms of course. However, yoga is the best thing for me because it is calm and so soothing with breathing in and out on your nose. I recommend the basic yoga movements. It is not necessary to be a pro or to go to some sessions. You have on you tube all the things you need and honestly it is much better to work alone or with a friend.

 

[Quirah]

I've found that exercising helps with my anxiety, but it isn't that way for everyone. When I exercise, it feels like I am clearing my mind and not focusing on the stuff that's making me anxious. When I don't excercise, it puts me in a terrible mood. I've never done it to lose weight, but to lose myself. Some people enjoy meditation and deep breathing more. Maybe you should give that a try. It should help with your anxiety. If it doesn't, keep looking for other activities. You'll find something.