At times the overwhelming sensation of anxiety can make us feel trapped afraid and plain down overwhelmed. It can be a claustrophobic space that can prevent us from living out our BEST life! A life filled with peace, purpose and joy! Isn’t that what we all want?
But, I get it; life is not always serene waters. Daily, each of us battle through our own silent struggles. Learning to self-care, self-soothe and be gentle with oneself all help in keeping anxiety at bay!
Psychiatrists have reported the positive effects that exercise has on the brain. A simple, walk or bike ride can be a powerful tool for those suffering from anxiety.
How Does Exercise Help Sooth Anxiety?
- Engaging in exercise distracts you from the very thing you are anxious about.
- Moving your body decreases muscle tension, lowering the body’s contribution to feeling anxious.
- Getting your heart rate up changes brain chemistry, increasing the availability of important anti-anxiety neurochemicals, including serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and endocannabinoids.
- Exercise activates frontal regions of the brain responsible for executive function, which helps control the amygdala, our reacting system to real or imagined threats to our survival.
- Exercising regularly builds up resources that bolster resilience against stormy emotions.
Reference: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-exercise-help-treat-anxiety-2019102418096
Top Training Tips:
- Choose something enjoyable and that you like doing, so you will do it repeatedly, building resilience.
- Work toward getting your heart rate up.
- Work out with a friend or colleague or in a group to reap the additional benefit of social support.
- Try to exercise in nature or green space, which further lowers stress and anxiety.
While research is important, we all know that GREAT feeling we experience after a good workout!
Remember how you felt and use that as motivation to do something physical every day. Time to get up and get moving and stay POSITIVE!
