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Exercises for Anxiety Relief

More than 40 million adults in America suffer from some form of anxiety. Treatments are as diverse as the symptoms, including prescription medications, various forms of psychotherapy and herbal remedies. But simple exercise also offers an effective way to reduce the symptoms of anxiety. Your goal should be to find an exercise you enjoy, then stick with it.

  1. How Exercise Helps

    • Exercise can provide a counter-balance to the emotional, psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety. It boosts self-esteem and confidence by providing positive, attainable goals. Exercise also provides a distraction from the negative thoughts about yourself that often accompanies anxiety.

      Anxiety also can contribute to isolation; the sufferer does not want to go out or be around other people. So, getting out to take a walk or going to a health club for a yoga class will help you fight that urge to be alone. Another bonus: Exercise will cause your body to release stored adrenaline, making you feel calmer.

    Quantity of Exercise

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, it may take 30 minutes of exercise, three to five times a week to significantly improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, even 10 minutes a day will help to relieve these symptoms for shorter periods of time. Starting with shorter periods will make the goal of regular exercise seem more attainable.

    Best Types of Exercise

    • The exercise that you enjoy the most--and that you will stick with over time--is the best type for treating anxiety. For some, that might mean long walks or jogs. For others, aerobic classes or yoga might be more appealing. Or you might find that setting a goal of learning a new skill, such as tennis or golf, could be the key to maintaining a regular exercise regime. Whatever form of exercise you choose to treat the symptoms of anxiety, the most important thing is to do it regularly, even if you aren't in the mood. As time goes by, you will be less likely to experience days when you would really rather just stay in bed.

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