Does exercise help you?
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Does exercise help you?
| Wed, 02-14-2007 - 10:17pm |
I haven't been exercising much lately. Cold, snow, sick kids, no money, no time, the excuses go on and on! I hear from some people how exercise makes them feel so great, etc. but don't even know where to start. I'm not overweight but I'm sure I could benefit from the extra energy, maybe sleep better, etc. Just wanted to see if you guys are on a regular exercise routine and how it's helped (or not) with your overall anxiety and moods. And this may sound crazy, but does increasing your heart rate make you feel anxious? I'm worried the rest of my body would follow suit and I'd go into an anxiety tailspin.
Thanks--

Yes! Exercise will help you actually burn off some of that anxiety. And it will get your endorphins going which will make you feel better. Yoga is also excellent for treating anxiety.
After you have exercised regularly for a few days you will find you have more energy and that you sleep more soundly. It is better to exercise earlier in the day rather than later. If you exercise too late in the evening it may keep you awake at night.
Other things to consider are caffeine, alcohol and sugar intake. I have quit caffeine and alcohol altogether (can't drink alcohol with my medication anyway), and I am trying to lower my sugar intake.
Here's an article I found:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression-and-exercise/MH00043
Start small - 15-20 min a day. It will only take you a couple of weeks to get in the habit, and before you know it you will miss it if you don't exercise. I rarely consider blowing off my workouts and I exercise 6 days a week. I look forward to them. Find an activity you enjoy, and be sure to change your routine every 3-4 weeks so you don't get bored with it.
Hi there!
Exercise helps me a lot. I like to walk. When I am exercising on a regular basis, my anxiety is drastically reduced. I usually do it in the evening (that is the only time I can), and it really helps my sleep. That is just me, though...
When I first start up, I do get a bit anxious because there are a lot of new body sensations. It is nothing I can't power through. Within a week, all that is gone and it just feels good.
HTH!
Laura
We both had two kids each and not a lot of money and the kids played while we popped in an exercise tape.
It was free, fun and we could do it at our convenience.
When the weather was bad it was extremely helpful.
She also day-cared in her home so it was better for her and it got me out of my house, which helped me feel good and we both enjoyed each other's company and our kids benefitted they had somebody other than a sibling to play with and our kids became friends.
Hope this helps.
I also take the stairs instead of the elevator and I feel it is helping me.
Keeping active does make you feel a little more positive about yourself.
Helps make you more tired and definitely bonus is you will sleep much better.
Yes!
Sheri Ann