[Universal]

Taken from the book Coping With Anxiety by Edmund Bourne, PH.D.

Regular exercise has a direct impact on several physiological factors that underlie anxiety. Some of the physiological benefits include:

-reduced skeletal muscle tension, which is largely responsible for your feelings of being tense or "uptight"

-more rabid metabolism of excess adrenaline and thyroxin in the bloodstream, the presence of which tends to keep you in a state of arousal and vigilance

-discharge of pent-up frustration, which can aggravate phobic reactions

-enhanced oxygenation of the blood and brain, which increases alertness and concentration

-stimulation of the production of endorphins, natural substances that resemble morhpine in both their chemical makeup and their effects on your sense of well-being

-increased brain levels of serotonin (an important neurotransmitter), helping to offset both depressed moods and anxiety

-lowered pH (increased acidity) of the blood, which increases your energy level

-improved circulation

-improved digestion and utilization of food

-improved elimintation (from skin, lungs, and bowels)

-decreased cholesterol levels

-decreased blood pressure

-weight loss as well as appetite suppression in many cases

-improved blood sugar regulations (in the case of hypoglycemia)

Several psychological benefits accompany these physical shifts, including:

-increased subjective feelings of well-being

-reduced dependence on alcohol and drugs

-reduced insomnia

-improved concentration and memory

-reduced depression

-increased self-esteem

-greater sense of control over anxiety

* Avoid exercising only once per week. Engaging in infrequent spurts of exercise is stressful to your body and generally does more harm than good. (Walking is an exception.)

 

[Da'Burgh]

Great post, Universal. I believe exercise is very important with anxiety and killing dp/dr.

 

[Martinelv]

It certainly is.

However, I find that 'extreme' exercise (I did it once.....cough) actually makes my anxiety worse. Don't know if it's because of the Adrenaline or what, but it did. Maybe because a pounding heart reminded some stupid part of my brain of panic. :roll: If you can find a decent balance though, exercise is definately a good stress reliever.

 

[Guest]

I used to work out on a regular basis and I did feel that it helped with my anxiety/DR & whatever else. But this summer I have been slacking immensly. I haven't been to the gym in like two weeks and some odd days.

I need to get back to working out, probably now, more than ever.

 

[Monkeydust]

Exercise is really important for you, even if you don't have psychological issues.

The gym is often boring for people, so they give up. It's sometimes better to do a sport, arrange to have a game of something with some friends (O like doing badminton cos it's easy and you don't ned many people), or to simply walk rather than drive places (which saves money as well).