Does exercise help anxiety?

noobletmcnugget

Just wondering whether people find that exercise positively impacts their mood/anxiety?

I've felt pretty anxious recently for a multitude of reasons, and am thinking of trying to commit to running regularly as I've heard exercise can help. I've never really been into exercise though, so don't have much experience of it.

Just wondering what your personal experiences are like?

BillyBoy56

In my experience, the answer is an emphatic - YES! I am grateful that I am fit enough to cycle to work every day, because without that I am sure I would be back on the meds I was taking a few years ago. Cycling is more than physical exercise to me, it is my daily meditation time. Even on those cold rainy days that I just don't feel like going out, I always feel better after. The key is to find an activity that you enjoy, and don't force yourself to reach lofty goals, just start moving and have fun - you'll notice the difference very soon.

dewd2

Yes, if you enjoy running. Probably not if you hate running (may even add to the issue).

I can't comment directly on anxiety, but I can say running helps my mood and focus. Try it and see how it works for you.

rileysowner

Exercise has a positive effect on emotional well being. It won't get rid of the problems, but will help you cope with them. It is also much more healthy than emotional eating.

Nell8i8

YES! for me it certainly is my happy place when I get to exercise. Nothing like putting on your music and zoning out. It's my meditation and the best place to get in touch with who I am. Nothing has let me see who I am like pushing my limits. I know what I can do and what I cannot.
I think it's awesome that you want to start running. Find a good play list and go for it! I can almost guarantee it will at least give you an outlet to deal with any anxiety.
I remember telling myself lots of times "It's been an awful day, I can't wait til I get to go run".

JennieMaeK

Exercise has definitely helped with my stress. Not quite the same I know, but before I used to go to food for comfort. Bad day at work - eat. Fight with my husband - eat, you get the picture. Now something like that makes me want to run. 5k on the treadmill (too cold right now to run outside) and I feel so much better.

Shells918

I started with walking during a very stressful time in my life and it really helped. I would imagine that running would be just as good if not better.

It definitely helps MY anxiety. I feel way less anxious on the days I exercise, and feel a bit more so on the days I don't. It also helps me sleep a lot better, less waking up in the middle of the night.
In my eyes there are no downsides.

TaraTall

WickedPineapple

I agree with dewd2 that if you don't actually enjoy running, it might not have the desired affect.

I've noticed just about any and all cardio helps with anxiety, at the time. Like if I'm feeling anxious and go for a run or hop on the elliptical, I feel much better during and afterwards. However, I can't go for a run during work or social situation or when trying to fall asleep. So it helps, definitely, but it's no cure.

tillerstouch

I can't speak to anxiety but mood absolutely. Exercise release endorphins which make you feel good.

I third what @dewd2 said though if you hate running it might not, find some exercise you like, running, swimming, lifting whatever you can enjoy. Although if you keep it up you may start to enjoy a certain exercise more.

missxlisa

Yes! I often have panic attacks at night, but only after a rest day

TeaBea

noobletmcnugget wrote: »

Just wondering whether people find that exercise positively impacts their mood/anxiety?

I've felt pretty anxious recently for a multitude of reasons, and am thinking of trying to commit to running regularly as I've heard exercise can help. I've never really been into exercise though, so don't have much experience of it.

Just wondering what your personal experiences are like?

YES!

Find something you enjoy doing, find an environment you are comfortable in, and find something that is just challenging enough for you.

For me, exercise can relieve stress and help me sleep better. The trick is finding the right fit. I can do cardio with choreography and want to throw things at the TV. Forget group exercise because it takes me back to gym class (ugh!). I do at home walking workouts instead. Turn my brain off and move is more my style. Yoga is a great relaxer. I don't do the most challenging yoga, but more importantly I enjoy it.

ovidnine

For me, yes.

A lot.

mbaker566

if it's something you enjoy, then yes, it can help. it's not necessarily a cure but it gives me a good time to find peace in my mind.
i get squirrelly now if i don't get to do runs
I've also found yoga helps my anxiety

minniestar55

It helps me...maybe give it a try & see how you do.

amandabullock120

YES!! I have anxiety. Sometimes so bad I can't do normal everyday things.. I have found that working out daily helps tons

EddieHaskell97

Yes, it absolutely does!

cwolfman13

Yes it does...but I would stress finding something you enjoy...doing something you hate will probably just make things worse.

caffeinified

I always feel better on the days I work out as compared to the days I don't. Mood, anxiousness, whatever is plaguing me. It just makes me feel better. So yes! And good luck finding the right workout that does the same for you!

Rachel0778

TaraTall wrote: »

+1!

lucypeaks

It pretty much cured my post natal depression 3 years back. It was ongoing for ages, took control and it slowly melted away thanks to exercise and looking after myself again. Obviously it may not be the same for everyone, however exercise releases endorphins (happy chemicals!) therefore it makes sense that it relieves anxiety in the majority of cases x

kshama2001

Yes, exercise definitely takes away stress, anxiety, and depression for me.

Since you're "not really into exercise" maybe start with walking before jumping right in to running. Walking in nature, no matter what the temperature, really does something positive for me. YMMV.

Merrysix

All the exercise I enjoy helps w/ anxiety, stress, depression etc. And when I listen to upbeat music while exercising that helps even more. Exercising outside where I get sunlight (when possible in the winter months) also has a huge positive effect. I'm lucky in that I get runner's high (actually feels slightly euphoric) but only if I run about 3 miles. Also get the same feeling spinning or doing HIIT (like crossfit). I get these benefits from running, rowing (love the river!), bicycling.

arditarose

Yes. As long as you like the exercise you choose. Running makes me want to die but I love lifting and it's amazing for my anxiety.

niamibunni

It helps my PTSD and anxiety.

Jain

Yes! If I can get outside & have a walk/hike it helps my depression far more than medication ever does. The trick is to find something you enjoy doing. Lifting weights works for me too, but I had to give up my gym membership due to cost.

DBL_IronDog

Yes!! I've suffered from a lot of anxiety and all types of exercise has helped me so much. It becomes my happy place.... my sanctuary. I can sort out my thoughts and get a clearer picture on my issues. So for me its been amazing!!

Pawsforme

It depends. For relatively mild anxiety it's definitely beneficial. It certainly won't hurt in more serious or long standing cases of anxiety, but exercise alone is unlikely to be enough to really help those.

gramarye

I find exercise gives me a way to burn off and escape from some anxieties. Others, if they're more pervasive, will still be there when I return from my run.

So, I'd say, yes, it can absolutely help. But it won't solve underlying problems that cause anxiety, and it wouldn't be much help against panic, in my experience.

Saraness

noobletmcnugget wrote: »

Just wondering whether people find that exercise positively impacts their mood/anxiety?

I've felt pretty anxious recently for a multitude of reasons, and am thinking of trying to commit to running regularly as I've heard exercise can help. I've never really been into exercise though, so don't have much experience of it.

Just wondering what your personal experiences are like?

Yes and no. Depends on the type of anxiety and your triggers. For example, I could go to the gym everyday and workout for hours on end but if my fiance/mom/sister/anyone I know is still late coming home from work and doesn't pick up his phone I'm going to have an anxiety attack in fear of the worst possible situation. I will also fear the worst no matter what. But, on the plus side- exercising has helped me with my general anxieties. I no longer go to the grocery store and think people are staring at me. So it just depends on you.

kshama2001

I should note that I have no problem exercising when I'm stressed or anxious, as exercise is a way to channel the flight or fight response, but when I'm depressed I often have an enormous struggle to get started. Once I've committed, I'm fine, and always glad I forced myself.