Vote in This Week's Poll: Does exercise help you deal with anxiety and/or depression?
Some studies (e.g., Effects of Acute Exercise on Mood and Well-Being in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder) have found a link between exercise and a reduction in anxiety. Experts aren't sure what intensity or duration works best, but they know that even short bursts of cardio can reduce anxiety (one reason that doing a few quick jumping jacks or going out for a fast walk can help when you're anxious). I've seen some of my clients actually use exercise much like they would an anti-anxiety drug - as a method of treatment. When they start to feel anxious, they get out for a walk or run or even drop down for some pushups to burn off that extra energy.
I'm curious about you. Do you ever have problems with anxiety, depression or both? Does exercise help manage your symptoms or, as others have mentioned in previous posts, make it worse? Vote in this week's poll and tell us your experiences with exercise, anxiety and depression.
More About Anxiety, Depression and Exercise
Comments
I have used exercise countless times to relieve anxiety, stress,anger and depression. granted i have spent 5hours in the gym doing a cardio class, weight training, taking a dip in the pool and in the sauna. at the end of my gym time, i’ve sorted things in my head or am too tired to be angry or upset. I don’t take any type of antidepressant drugs. But there needs to be a balance. I have found myself too dependant on my exercise drug and will get anxious and upset if anything interferes with my gym time.
I had the unpleasant opportunity to go thru a painful divorce a few years back. It nailed me with some bad short term depression and then some lingering minor depression.
My sister dragged me out of lifting in my basement to going into the gym. I found I worked out better and enjoyed being around people.
Soon I found that I could use my workouts to get rid of some of that negativity I was feeling in a positive way. I ran too. These days I’m in great shape, healthy, rarely get blue and have some nice guns to show for my effort.
I’d recommend some physical exertion to anyone struggling with being positive. It works!
yep working out keeps the blues away or at least at bay. Even on a stressful day when I can feel how healthy my body feels, it keeps me a good mood.
On the other hand over training can lead to depression for some odd reason, or at least a feeling of vagueness, out of focus.
First line treatment for anxiety and/or depression should ALWAYS include sustained
aerobic exercise. If you hate or dread the idea of “working out”, then put on some comfortable shoes, go out the door and start walking…and keep at it. Trudge if you have to, the benefits will accrue, and are cumulative. Within a couple of weeks, you’ll feel better – for free.
Whenever I have anxiety I wave my arms frantically over my head. Especially when I am in an argument with my boss. I’m not sure if it counts as excercise, but it helps me release the energy and scare him away.
I think there does need to be a balance; and have some other things to do that you enjoy. It’s ok if you have to miss the gym once in a while, because you will get back to it right away. But working out has definitely helped me feel better. I try to do it most days of the week but not to beat myself up if something comes up.
Having gone through MANY, MANY of life’s trials, I have come to rely on exercise and activity to help keep me sane. I was introduced to exercise when I was in recovery from a very bad accident a number of years ago, and I have found that when I go through tough patches in life exercise or activity of some sort helps me emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I can actually say that because of exercising I was able to accomplish things that many of my wise (world renowned)doctor’s said I would never do. So even if you go for a nice walk in the city or country-side for an hour for a few times a week, it can start to change your life.