Does exercise help anxiety?

noobletmcnugget
noobletmcnugget Posts: 518 Member
edited November 28 in Fitness and Exercise
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?
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Replies

  • BillyBoy56
    BillyBoy56 Posts: 3 Member
    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
    dewd2 Posts: 2,445 Member
    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
    rileysowner Posts: 8,336 Member
    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
    Nell8i8 Posts: 61 Member
    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
    JennieMaeK Posts: 474 Member
    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
    Shells918 Posts: 1,070 Member
    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
    TaraTall Posts: 339 Member
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  • WickedPineapple
    WickedPineapple Posts: 698 Member
    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
    tillerstouch Posts: 608 Member
    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
    missxlisa Posts: 70 Member
    Yes! I often have panic attacks at night, but only after a rest day
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    edited January 2016
    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
    ovidnine Posts: 314 Member
    For me, yes.

    A lot.

  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    edited January 2016
    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
    minniestar55 Posts: 350 Member
    It helps me...maybe give it a try & see how you do.
  • amandabullock120
    amandabullock120 Posts: 110 Member
    YES!! I have anxiety. Sometimes so bad I can't do normal everyday things.. I have found that working out daily helps tons
  • EddieHaskell97
    EddieHaskell97 Posts: 2,227 Member
    Yes, it absolutely does!
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Yes it does...but I would stress finding something you enjoy...doing something you hate will probably just make things worse.
  • caffeinified
    caffeinified Posts: 18 Member
    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
    Rachel0778 Posts: 1,701 Member
    TaraTall wrote: »
    dc06uyxqmxrm.jpg

    +1!
  • lucypeaks
    lucypeaks Posts: 96 Member
    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
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    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
    Merrysix Posts: 336 Member
    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
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    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
    niamibunni Posts: 110 Member
    It helps my PTSD and anxiety.
  • Jain
    Jain Posts: 861 Member
    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
    DBL_IronDog Posts: 115 Member
    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
    Pawsforme Posts: 645 Member
    edited January 2016
    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
    gramarye Posts: 586 Member
    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
    Saraness Posts: 32 Member
    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
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    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.
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