Living with anxiety can be hard, but regular exercise could help reduce worry and boost wellbeing. We explore the benefits and best exercises for anxiety.
A queasy stomach before a big speech. Sweaty palms before a first date. We all feel anxious sometimes. But for many, anxiety is far more than the occasional jittery feeling.
Anxiety can manifest in varying ways, from slight unease to full-blown panic attacks. While it’s a natural emotion, ongoing anxiety can disrupt work, relationships, and overall happiness. Anxiety lies at the core of common mental health conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias. By unpacking what anxiety looks and feels like, we can explore ways to keep it from limiting us.
Anxiety is a common mental health condition characterized by feelings of worry, fear, and unease. While we all feel anxiety occasionally, like before an exam or an operation, some people find their anxiety more constant, affecting their daily lives.
One of the most effective anxiety-busters is exercise. Moving your body provides biochemical and emotional relief while easily incorporating into your daily life. Taking care of both your body and mind is essential for overall wellbeing.
Mental Health And Exercise: Does Exercise Help With Anxiety?
Physical activity isn’t just about building muscle or increasing endurance. For many, it’s a vital part of their mental health toolkit, providing immediate and long-term relief from anxiety. Here are some of the ways it helps:
The Neurochemical Boost
One of the wonders of exercise lies in its ability to induce profound neurochemical changes in our bodies. Regular physical activity triggers the release of endocannabinoids, mood-enhancing neuromodulators known for their calming effects. These chemical compounds, found naturally within our system, produce euphoria, reduce stress, and promote a sense of wellbeing. Plus, exercise stabilizes other key neurotransmitters to maintain an even-keeled mood long-term.
Beyond Endorphins 
For years, the mood-lifting benefits of exercise were attributed to endorphins, often termed the “runner’s high.” While there’s no denying the pleasure that can result from an intense workout session, modern science suggests that endorphins might not be the reason. It’s an exciting area of research, with some experts arguing that other factors, like the endocannabinoids mentioned above, might be more instrumental in mediating exercise-induced euphoria.
A healthy Distraction
Engaging in any form of physical activity—a brisk walk, a yoga session, or an intense HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout—often requires concentration and focus. This immersion offers a valuable break from persistent negative thoughts or overthinking, which can be especially beneficial for those prone to anxiety or depressive rumination. Focusing on the present moment, the body’s movement, and the breath’s rhythm can serve as a grounding experience, steering the mind away from stressors and toward a state of calm.
The Jury Has Spoken
Studies consistently show active people report lower anxiety levels and reduced risk for anxiety disorders compared to inactive peers. Exercise can be both a prevention and a therapy.
So next time you need to blow off steam, clear your head, or feel more joyful, remember the power of moving your body.
