Exercise to help with anxiety

[Wenchelda]

Hi,

Never posted in this topic before although I did once post in chat when I needed calming down during a particularly bad anxiety attack.

Anyway, I have anxiety - mainly health related (I don't have any health issues that I know of, I'm just terrified of dying and am convinced I am going to be diagnosed with some terrible untreatable illness). I had cbt over a period of 12 months which I completed almost 2 years ago. It helped immensely and my anxiety has mostly been under control since then however there have been times (like now) where I find myself struggling again.

I've read many times about the positive effect of regular exercise for anxiety and I need to get myself motivated to do this. Trouble is, I hate most exercise. I work shifts so can't commit to a regular class or club but I'm not motivated on my own. I hate the gym with a passion. I like swimming but my local pool is used solely for schools during the day and outside of school hours I have the dc's so that's no good. I have an exercise bike that's barely been looked at for over a year so I think that's where I need to focus my lack of energy. In a moment of complete frustration at my mental state, I just jumped on and did barely 10 minutes. I'm clearly unfit as I was exhausted after such a short time.

Not really sure why I'm posting now. Has anyone found that regular exercise - even a small amount - really does improve anxiety? I'm telling myself now that I'm going to set my alarm 20minutes earlier and do 5k on the bike every morning but that's easier said than done.

But I need to do something.

Hi!
Wake up early and fo or a walk are good exercises to improve memory, you should do your best.
Here few more things you can try:

1. Meditation.

Mindfulness meditation can help ease psychological stresses like anxiety, depression, and pain. When you can do that it changes your life.

1. Cold shower.

The science behind cold exposure is not new science. Cold shower therapy is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy that has numerous health benefits such as treating anxiety and depression, improving circulation and toning skin. The use of coldness as a ‘good stressor’ on the body can help to trigger several helpful responses within the human body. It allows the controlled elicitation of the body’s natural cell repairing, pain & inflammation reducing and metabolic processes.

1. Bacopa monnieri.

This is a plant that has for some years been made use of in India. Make sure you do not confuse Brahmi with other natural medications such as Gotu kola. This plant is used for Alzheimer’s disease and other benefits which include: -Improve memory -Deal with anxiety -Deal with allergic conditions -Treat irritable bowel syndrome -For backache treatments -For mental illnesses -For joint pains -Epilepsy -For sexual performance issues, etc.

I don't have anxiety I have schizo affective disorder however I get stressed easily due to work.
Also due to work I have a painful back & my physio told me to go to the gym to strengthen my muscles.

I've been 4 times now in the last week & it does give you a lift, I've found I enjoy the challenge of using the weights also enjoy rowing.
Exercise definitely improves how you feel mentally, you just need to find an exercise you enjoy.

Hi Wenchelda :)

I'm suffering with depression and anxiety, partly becuase of deep-seated stuff from my background and partly because of physical health conditions. I desperately need to exercise more and regularly, but like you I find it so hard to get motivated and actually do any (at least partly because from childhood I've had a loathing for exercise, etc.)

I don't drive and so the most frequent form of exercise I do is walking, on the days I can push myself to go out. However, I'm a bit drawn to yoga and have a couple of dvds I could conceivably use at home if I ever find that magic spell that makes me actually get off my arse and do some. In the past I've started with such good intentions and always fizzle out, then don't do any for months or years. I'm also drawn to swimming but rarely organise myself to actually get to the pool and do some. I wondered recently about finding a tai chi class, but I'm very good at the wondering part and shit at the doing part!

So would it be worthwhile us 'buddying' each other online and motivating one another to take up some sort of exercise and stick to it? I often think if I had someone who was aiming for the same goal as me (ie. to commit to getting and staying fit) I might really achieve something worthwhile, but there's no-one in my 'real life' at the moment who needs a buddy. I'm not sure how we'd do it - by checking in on this thread at agreed intervals, maybe, to share our progress and struggles and blocks and that, so we could then support/encourage/cheer each other on?

I have started to get up a little earlier and walk for half an hour - 45 mins. Walking is great as free, completely flexible timing, no faff and OUTDOORS which is extra benefit.
Also yoga - Yoga with Adrienne

Half an hour's exercise per day is difference between misery and happiness for me.

I've found making it non negotiable get up and do something really works.

Morning is good, get the benefits of it all day and then if the day goes to fuck you can say to yourself, at least I did my run/walk/swim/yoga this morning. Rather than another thing to stress about having to do, which I can find triggering in itself.

No experience of the mental health side of things but as far as flexibility goes you can’t beat running. Cheap once you have a decent pair of trainers (don’t scrimp, get a decent pair from a proper running shop - not sports direct!). But then you can just get out and run whenever suits you. Have a look at Couch to 5k to get you started. Good luck.

Excercise helps me. I am better at exercising outside the house, but someone I knew did a deal with herself that she could only watch soaps (insert tv or radio or audiobook of choice) if she was on her bike. It worked for her.

Walking was really helpful for my anxiety. Free, take DC with you.

Running helps me (and a lot of others I know) with my anxiety

I dunno anything about anxiety, but exercise for me is crucial for keeping depression at bay. You can only try. Maybe find podcasts to listen to while you're on the bike?

Congratulations getting on the bike. Choose a podcast or music you enjoy. Could you start off setting a time you will exercise (due to shift work maybe one hour after I get in after work or immediately I get up in.) Start off try to increase cycling one minute extra each time. If that's easy move to increasing by two or five minutes.

Lifelong anxiety sufferer here. I run or use exercise bike for 10-20 minutes each morning before I do anything else. Just 10-20 minutes. A walk is also good first thing if you prefer.

I also love Pilates and yoga for easing anxiety, especially if it's a difficult class. I do a 70 minute class and it flies by, all of a sudden it's over and I haven't thought about anything other than what I need to do with my body for the entire time. Not so good when I try on my own at home but sometimes is ok.

I have depression and anxiety. I found yoga really helped, especially the hathi form of yoga. Gentle exercise, and lots of advice on breathing techniques that can really help. I also agree with walking - take time to notice where you are, to see plants and animals. Concentrate on the moment, not your worries, and it will refresh you.