I went through a traumatic experience 3 years ago and have been suffering with extreme anxiety and social anxiety since. Last week I decided to go hiking in a state park near where I live. I could not believe what happened. While I was hiking, my stress and anxiety completely disappeared. I actually felt good and excited for the first time in 3 years. I am not sure what it is about hiking, but all my worries went away while I was in the woods. I felt like I was away from the real world and I was excited to be in nature. I should say that I have been on medication for a long time and while it helped a little with the anxiety, it never went away. The hiking made my anxiety completely go away while I was outdoors. So now I have planned hiking trips with a friend of mine for the next several months and am very excited about them. This is the first time since the anxiety started that I am actually excited about something. I don't know if hiking will help with other people's anxiety, but it has made such a difference for me that I wanted to share my experience with you.
Hiking helps my anxiety
- Thread starter Dave
- Start date
Kimberly Hunt
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- Jun 30, 2018
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That is great Dave. I am really happy that you have found your niche that makes you feel better. It is things like that, that do make all the difference.
There's always something that will help you. For you it's hiking. Doing something you love or just keeping busy really helps with anxiety. I hate going to the store but burying my face in my phone to block out everyone else helps. Maybe it's the same with you and hiking. I'm glad you found something that works for you though. 
Poppy_recreation
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- Jul 5, 2018
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That's wonderful! I'm happy you found a positive and healthy outlet for your anxiety. It truly is a relief to have something to turn to when you feel anxious. I hope this method keeps working for you and you find more outlets for help!