The connection between exercise and anxiety is complicated.
Learn how to cope when exercise exacerbates your anxiety rather than helping it.
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But the connection between exercise and anxiety is far from straightforward.
Because, spoiler alert: Its absolutely possible to turn working out from something thatcausesanxiety to something thatcalmsit.
Why some people experience exercise-related anxiety
Lets back up for a second: What exactly is anxiety?
sports psychologist and founder of the Center for Athletic Performance Enhancement
Fears of physical limitations, too, can cause anxiety to spike.
What we do to our bodies, we do to our minds, Dr. Irwin says.
For most people, exercise is a net positive.
And does exercise reduce anxiety in particular?
The short answer: It absolutely can.
Theres no simple fix to relax the mind; however, coping with anxiety during workouts is possiblewe promise.
Yep, that means you might want to book yourself some therapist timeeven virtually.
Find a workout buddy
Working out with a friend can also be helpful.
If something does go wrong, or you start to feel anxious, you wont be alone.
sports psychologist and founder of the Center for Athletic Performance Enhancement
Try lower-impact workouts
You also might be able to curb your feelings of anxiety by switching up your workout.
Movement is really key for managing anxiety but it doesnt have to be high-impact.
Exercises likeyogaorPilatescan be incredibly beneficial for both physical and mental health.
You get to decide what works for you.
Whats more, experts say that something low-key may be thebest punch in of exercise for your mental health.
In fact, she recommends not doing this.
If you start feeling anxious, slow down to bring your heart rate down, she says.
Other anxiety reduction techniques include usingmeditation appsand tryingsomatic exercise.
This brings yourself back to the present moment, she says.
In doing so, youll realize that you are okay, you are safe.
FAQ
When is the best time to exercise for anxiety?
To get ahead of anxiety, addmorning exerciseto your routine.
Morning exercise can combat that.
Some people like to say that their fitness regimen is their therapy.
Butexercise is not a cure-allfor mental health problems.
How long does it take for exercise to help with anxiety?
The benefits of an exercise regimen for anxiety are typically immediate, Dr. Irwin says.
So youll start to feel better right away.
That said, exercise is only one component of managing anxiety.
What are the best types of exercise for reducing anxiety?
There is no one-size-fits-all all approach when it comes toanxiety and fitness.
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