Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and I speak only from my own experience. Living an active lifestyle can help with a myriad of mental and physical ailments, but I don’t want to suggest that fitness is a replacement for medical attention.
Technically, I have never been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, but honestly… that’s because a very kind psychologist told me I had a lot of the hallmarks of it and at the time, I stubbornly refused to accept the diagnosis. Since coming to college, I have become a lot more willing to accept that I have anxiety issues. And that also means I’ve become pretty well-versed in managing them.
Other than basically spilling everysinglethought on my mind, the most reliable ways for me to calm my anxiety are fitness-related.
And honestly…
These aren’t infallible for me at all. From what I can tell, no particular method of managing anxiety is perfect. What worked last week might not calm a panic attack tomorrow. The method that works in the middle of the night might not ease anxiety in the morning. However, having a range of tools in your arsenal is never a bad thing.
Four (fit) anxiety-reduction strategies that work for me
Going for a walk
{Bonus points if I have a furry friend with me}
I find that I am calmest when my body is moving, even if I’m thinking about what is making me most anxious. All life’s uncertainties and possibilities seem less daunting when I am physically moving forward, especially if I’m outside on a gorgeous day. If I need an additional distraction because the movement isn’t enough to calm me down, I pop in my headphones and play upbeat music or an engaging podcast or audiobook.
Focusing on balance
Whether it’s a yoga pose or you’re just trying to balance on a Bosu, I think it’s pretty hard to focus on maintaining steady breathing and stability while I’m panicking. Practicing a few different balancing postures when I get particularly anxious helps me separate myself from whatever I’m worrying about and come back to a calmer place.
Hitting it hard
When I’m physically exerting myself, my mind is focused on the task at hand, not my anxiety. Depending on what’s available, my “hard” might include tough intervals on the elliptical, a run, or a new workout class or video. Working up a serious sweat and working off some of that nervous energy does wonders for me during an anxiety attack.
Practicing yoga
For me, practicing yoga regularly helps prevent the worst panic attacks. I really wish I could explain how yoga makes me feel so calm and centered and capable yoga, but I’ll settle for the fact that it does. That’s why I make it a priority in my life.
Focus on your body to calm your mind: 4 fitness ways I reduce #anxiety via @EllenSlater Share on XHave you ever dealt with panic attacks or anxiety? How did you manage your symptoms?
Why do you work out?
Linking up with Amanda for some Thinking Out Loud
I found that running help me with all bad feelings A LOT. Like, when I have a bad day, I go for a run and it keeps me busy and I don`t overthink stuff. I don`t have time for bad thoughts, I need run faster!
I agree. Moving gives me other things to think about!
Working out or simply moving around is the classic and best way to manage emotions! Every type of activity does something different. Some can relax and some can make you feel like a million bucks when you’re done!
Yes! It’s good to have both in your arsenal!
I run because it is the one thing I know will make me smile each day. It gives me comfort and makes me whole. I manage anxiety by taking a moment, saying a prayer and giving my worries to God. It’s not perfect, but it helps me not worry about things that are not under my control. Thanks for the tips Ellen 🙂
No anxiety-reliever is perfect, but knowing there are some tools that work for you is excellent!
Yoga and walking help me with stress soooo much. I feel like maybe that’s why they are like the only types of exercise I do now. I like for my workout to leave me less stressed instead of more worked up than when I started!
Your workout ABSOLUTELY needs to work for you! It should be a good part of your life, not a stressful one.
Totally twinning because I get pretty bad stress anxiety as well and really need to make sure I take certain steps to maintain my mental health! Going on a walk is one of my FAVORITE ways to calm myself down when I’m feeling overwhelmed as well. Moving in general is a great way to let me tune out of my own head 🙂
I absolutely agree! And I’m so glad you’re taking care of yourself this quarter! Enjoy 😀
Thanks for sharing about your experiences, Ellen!
I work out because it always makes me feel better for the rest of the day (and more awake in my morning classes). I usually take a rest day on Sundays but this semester, I’ve started taking a rest day on Tuesday or Thursday each week because of my class schedule and I really do usually feel a bit sleepier throughout the day. Still good because I need the rest so I enjoy those days, but I really do love the productive feeling of starting the day with a good workout!
Exercise is a great energy-booster! That’s one of my favorite things about it! It definitely makes me feel more alert when I’m sitting through classes.
Yes. Like you, I have (undiagnosed) anxiety – I have all my life, and growing up, graduating, entering the real world, and having a child just exacerbates it. 😉
Fitness is a HUGE way for me to “manage” it. I take daily walks on my lunch break and it’s a big stress reliever. I want to get back into regular yoga because my husband and I noticed a major difference in my daily stress levels when I was really into Bikram. Since my gym time is limited right now, I really look forward to and crave those endorphins!
I think it’s awesome that you recognize how important those walks are for you and your mental health! It’s interesting that you said your husband notices it, too; my family and friends are often the first to notice when I’m not taking care of myself (especially not going to yoga) because I’m much more on-edge.
I love this. Working out definitely makes me feel calmer and less stressed. It’s also just nice to get out of the house and away from studying for awhile!
Yes! The change of scenery is so necessary!
Great tips! I love running for destressing. I like your tip about balancing in some form to receive anxiety, very good point about having to control your breath!
Thanks, Sarah! That one is super-convenient!
Yoga has seriously saved my life when it comes to stress management. I go 3 days a week religiously to help keep me sane and focused.
I need to start going more often! Yoga makes SUCH a difference.
I think everybody struggles with anxiety, and these are good tips. I think the one thing that really helps me is remembering that God is in control and to trust Him in everything knowing that even if I feel like it’s out of control. <3
Thanks so much, Emily! 🙂
Working out is definitely a stress/anxiety killer for me! When I was younger I dealt with anxiety A LOT (as it turned out it was my body’s weird way of trying to tell me that gluten was killing my insides – not a great idea when you’re trying to convince your doctor that you might have coeliac disease or a gut issue and they think it’s just your anxiety :P) and it was awful. It’s definitely something that’s hard to fight and hard to live with – but you can get through it!
I think the most important thing to remember is to find out what works for you – because everyone is different! What works for some people may leave you feeling even worse – even if it’s a “tried and true method”. xo
The body is so awesome (and weird)! It’s crazy that your anxiety was a manifestation of Celiac. And YES. Finding what works for you is important. We’re all unique!
For me, hitting it hard always works. I’d rather get lost in a tough workout than getting caught up in my mind about a million different things. If all else fails, a good walk cures all 🙂
I’m the same way! Exercise is a killer distraction 🙂
i do all the above, every day. except for balance, but i like that idea 🙂 i workout/run, go for 1-2 walks, and stretch a bit, but i miss doing as much yoga as i do at home :/
the balance is something new to add in now! 🙂
I really need to get back to yoga-ing more often, too. It’s slightly less convenient at school than at home for me, and that’s just enough to make me do it less frequently. But my goal for the quarter is to make it consistently 1-2 times a week.
I like to say that running keeps my crazy in check! I def struggle with stress/anxiety issues and fitness helps so much. Great post.
Thanks, Julie! I agree that fitness “keeps my crazy in check” (and I love that phrase ?).