Anyone here have Anxiety?

mizztanjo

Just a general discussion about the combo of anxiety and exercise. Anyone workout to help their anxiety, OCD, depression? What workouts do you do to help and does it work for you?

rogers8702

Running has been the best medicine for my anxiety I have been on many of medication since I was 10 years old but through running have learned how to control as much as possible anxieties and depression.
When life gets tough I run run run

lindamarierita

For me any aerobic style exercise. I prefer the elliptical, was running but can't due to my knees. Walking is good too.

mrst0

walking is my choice, I do it even to get kinks out of my legs in the morning, and yes I take antidepressant, have for over 10 years

kami3006

I was diagnosed with chronic depression when I was a kid; I'm now 41. While medication does help, I have been able to cut my dose in half by supplementing it with regular exercise. For me, it doesn't matter if I run or do some heavy lifting, either instantly help. It does the same for the anxiety that comes with depression.

ovidnine

Yup. Exercise in general helps me with depression and lifting helps me a bit with anxiety too.

I want to get stronger. To get stronger I HAVE to fail sometimes, its just going to happen. Its ok for it to happen and while mentally I'll obsess about it (I'm already thinking about my main lifts next week, how will I get all the reps in? can I do it? aarrrrgggggghhhH!!!) facing it often helps me overcome. Its still a struggle.

I personally feel I'm fairly near the edge of needing medication, especially if I fall out of my work out routine. I keep it at bay good enough to never be worse than functional now, but everyone is different and some people will need medication no matter what they do, but exercise is always a good thing.

Sonshine1296

Every day I exercise is a day I struggle less with anxiety and depression. I like doing the treadmill, elliptical, or even walking at the park.

Unknown

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beachhouse758

Running and yoga for me

winnie141

I suffer daily and I find exercise does help to a point. For the rest I have to take medication. But for me I walk my dogs daily and elliptical! Vitamin D does help as well but it takes a long time to kick in.

Maisha292013

This is a great question! And I appreciate reading everyone else's response also.. I've been doing yoga and I cannot over emphasize how this form of exercise have decreased not only my anxiety, my nerves, and just all tensions mentally and physically. Committing yourself to a workout- having fun with it- and incorporating as apart of your life change -- you will fell so a dramatic and drastic difference... I've also been drinking energy drinks ( lemon water -- almond milk - eating healthier - and using the treadmill weekly).,. Hope this helps

vfit10

Deadlifts cure anything blast the music load then plates and pick that *kitten* up

Hannah220190

mizztanjo wrote: »

Just a general discussion about the combo of anxiety and exercise. Anyone workout to help their anxiety, OCD, depression? What workouts do you do to help and does it work for you?

I find regular weight lifting & running helps x

mizztanjo

Love the responses in here! Anxiety/stress is a big part of my life, always has been really.
I'm always open to new ideas on how to calm it. Love that everyone here seems to walk it off. Guess I should pick up more walking!
For me, I find watching video's on youtube on how to deal with it helps a ton. I do exercise as well, LOVE fitness.

I do have a question though, just your thoughts on this....it seems more and more people are becoming overwhelmed with anxiety/depression/stress...do you think it has to do with the fact that we are becoming more and more disconnected with other people, with nature, ect. More connected with technology/social media?

hyg99

I think we all have bad days and exercise / running is a great way to blast away the day to day carp

mbaker566

beachhouse758 wrote: »

Running and yoga for me

Same And medication for me

ChloeS124

I try to do some yoga at first to calm my muscles then move into sit ups... For some reason they really calm me.

AllonsYtotheTardis

trail running keeps me off anxiety meds, and is the only thing I've found that keeps the panic attacks at bay.

katalinax87

mizztanjo wrote: »

Love the responses in here! Anxiety/stress is a big part of my life, always has been really.
I'm always open to new ideas on how to calm it. Love that everyone here seems to walk it off. Guess I should pick up more walking!
For me, I find watching video's on youtube on how to deal with it helps a ton. I do exercise as well, LOVE fitness.

I do have a question though, just your thoughts on this....it seems more and more people are becoming overwhelmed with anxiety/depression/stress...do you think it has to do with the fact that we are becoming more and more disconnected with other people, with nature, ect. More connected with technology/social media?

I have bipolar and personally I find that social media helps my social life. Sometimes I retreat from the world when I'm ill and I think without social media it would be easy for me to disappear totally. I can stay connected to people without the pressure of actively socialising. For me I think it has stopped me being as marginalised as I could be.

leanlicorice

katalinax87 wrote: »

I can stay connected to people without the pressure of actively socialising. For me I think it has stopped me being as marginalised as I could be.

I agree and I'm glad you raised the point. I struggle with clinical depression and anxiety. In the days yonder of troughs, I would bury myself in a book or in bed and not answer the telephone, turn off the lights, etc. At least now I often reach out to others albeit via online mediums.

Specific to myself, I have discovered four essential aspects to stable mental health:
1. No alcohol - everytime I have just one drink my mood plummets (worse next day).
2. Non-restrictive yet nutritionally balanced diet - restriction makes me obsess and my mood plummets and stagnants in a trough for a few weeks. Binge eating soars. However, if I don't eat well ie too much carbs then my mood will also drop. It is really trial and error; everyday is a challenge.
3. Yoga every morning - my anxiety is high in the morning so this settles my mind. I notice a significant change if I don't practice.
4. Cardio every afternoon - depression is usually the worst in the afternoon/evening. If I have been able to drag myself to the gym then 20 mins of high intensity cardio helps immensely. If not, then just a light walk around the nearby pond helps. Not as much but it is better than nothing!

OP thanks for being brave and starting this post. All the best to you.

19gabriela01

I love to exercise. But I cannot even get off bed while in depression. No thoughts about exercise then.

nuttyengineer

I have a big problem with anxiety caused by some other neurological issues. I'm not taking any medication for it, though I probably should be. I've found that really hard strength-training sessions do help it to some extent. I've also found that I can't have ANY caffeine.

tracoleman99

I've been battling with it lately. I workout pretty consistently, riding my bike, hiking and lifting weights. I recently added in yoga to the mix, which helps. I find the best solution is to remain active.

lithezebra

Yes. I exercise to keep an anxiety disorder calmed down. My dad and sister do the same thing. My dad used to go for a run when he was having a panic attack, to prove to himself that he wasn't going to have a heart attack.

Soundwave79

Yep my mom has crippling anxiety and I inherited a touch of it. Mine is manageable but exercise makes it so much easier to deal with. Before I started working out the doc had me on Zoloft and Xanax to deal with it. Two years ago when I started getting fit I realized I didn't need the meds anymore and the workouts were keeping it in check. Adding Krav Maga to my regimen has really helped alot to. It forces me to go outside my comfort zone and meet new people, face my social anxiety head on. Once you're trading sweat with other people there just isn't much left to be worried about. At the same time the class prepares me for all manner of situations, it's done wonders for my confidence in social interactions, meeting new people, and finding ease when I am outside my comfort zone.

mizztanjo

leanlicorice wrote: »

katalinax87 wrote: »

I can stay connected to people without the pressure of actively socialising. For me I think it has stopped me being as marginalised as I could be.

I agree and I'm glad you raised the point. I struggle with clinical depression and anxiety. In the days yonder of troughs, I would bury myself in a book or in bed and not answer the telephone, turn off the lights, etc. At least now I often reach out to others albeit via online mediums.

Specific to myself, I have discovered four essential aspects to stable mental health:
1. No alcohol - everytime I have just one drink my mood plummets (worse next day).
2. Non-restrictive yet nutritionally balanced diet - restriction makes me obsess and my mood plummets and stagnants in a trough for a few weeks. Binge eating soars. However, if I don't eat well ie too much carbs then my mood will also drop. It is really trial and error; everyday is a challenge.
3. Yoga every morning - my anxiety is high in the morning so this settles my mind. I notice a significant change if I don't practice.
4. Cardio every afternoon - depression is usually the worst in the afternoon/evening. If I have been able to drag myself to the gym then 20 mins of high intensity cardio helps immensely. If not, then just a light walk around the nearby pond helps. Not as much but it is better than nothing!

OP thanks for being brave and starting this post. All the best to you.

Thank you for the response! Good to see thoroughly what others are doing to ease their own anxiety!

mizztanjo

Soundwave79 wrote: »

Yep my mom has crippling anxiety and I inherited a touch of it. Mine is manageable but exercise makes it so much easier to deal with. Before I started working out the doc had me on Zoloft and Xanax to deal with it. Two years ago when I started getting fit I realized I didn't need the meds anymore and the workouts were keeping it in check. Adding Krav Maga to my regimen has really helped alot to. It forces me to go outside my comfort zone and meet new people, face my social anxiety head on. Once you're trading sweat with other people there just isn't much left to be worried about. At the same time the class prepares me for all manner of situations, it's done wonders for my confidence in social interactions, meeting new people, and finding ease when I am outside my comfort zone.

I've never heard of Krav Maga but I'll look it up! Sounds like you are keeping your head on your shoulders through what you do! Thanks for posting

rainbowbow

mizztanjo wrote: »

Soundwave79 wrote: »

Yep my mom has crippling anxiety and I inherited a touch of it. Mine is manageable but exercise makes it so much easier to deal with. Before I started working out the doc had me on Zoloft and Xanax to deal with it. Two years ago when I started getting fit I realized I didn't need the meds anymore and the workouts were keeping it in check. Adding Krav Maga to my regimen has really helped alot to. It forces me to go outside my comfort zone and meet new people, face my social anxiety head on. Once you're trading sweat with other people there just isn't much left to be worried about. At the same time the class prepares me for all manner of situations, it's done wonders for my confidence in social interactions, meeting new people, and finding ease when I am outside my comfort zone.

I've never heard of Krav Maga but I'll look it up! Sounds like you are keeping your head on your shoulders through what you do! Thanks for posting

I have OCD (an anxiety disorder) and have weaned down almost off my anxiety medication completely with weight lifting. I did Krav Maga for about 6 months and i highly suggest it!

Pretty much anything I can do to be active and in the moment.

My anxiety is at it's worst when im sitting around doing nothing like watching tv, browsing the internet, or reading a book. This is also my highest time for picking my skin/lips/hair, so my advice would be to find things that require your full attention!

Amerane

I've dealt with/am dealing with anxiety and depression, and boy do I notice a change when I stick to my exercise regimen. I personally love Zumba, and I go to class twice a week for about an hour each session. It's a great way for me to turn off and concentrate on the task at hand, and I feel so accomplished afterwords. I also take lunch walks with my SO and try to walk or bike to work at least part of the way every day. I hike a lot on the weekends too, which helps my anxiety the most I think. Appreciating nature and the scale of geologic time has always been calming/humbling.

MissJay75

Not to derail the thread, but for those of you who have been on medication since you were a kid, could you speak about the difference it's made for you and any long term affects of being medicated from such a young age? My daughter was diagnosed with GED at the age of 5, she's now 8 and we have discussed medication, but are reluctant considering her age.

Timshel_

mizztanjo wrote: »

Just a general discussion about the combo of anxiety and exercise. Anyone workout to help their anxiety, OCD, depression? What workouts do you do to help and does it work for you?

Years back I ended up having my life spin out of control in depression and anxiety. I had never had issues before and I kept thinking I was just being a Pu**y and I needed to buck up and be stronger. Time passed and I learned that my body's balance had changed and there were tried and true ways to help get things aligned. The two biggest for me were diet and exercise.

For food, I cut down on caffeine and sugars, I eat smaller meals more often, and I do more fruits and greens. For exercise I need to get in about 30 minutes of moderate activity each day.

The last part was spiritual, or finding a better center in my life than what I hard. I had to really look at where I put my energy and commitments, and what I really wanted that filled me with a sense of pride and accomplishment. That doesn't alleviate anything, but makes all the difference in how I handled the depression and anxiety. My attitude has been my biggest ally!

All the best.