I was reminded this morning about the power of exercise. Not that I don’t exercise regularly, I do. In fact I exercise every day as I ride my bike 10 miles every day to go to work and some days I go to the gym to mix it up a bit.
This morning I had a lingering feeling of anxiety. One of those floating anxieties that feels as if it is not grounded in any sort of reality. One finds themselves searching their mind looking for the reason they feel the rush of anxiety but come up empty handed. This can be a frequently repeating way of being. I know it happens to me quite often. A visit from anxiety and an uncertainty as to what its root cause is. This repetition can become quite tiresome for anyone.
Today I had this exact feeling this morning and wondered how to stem the tide. “Thinking” about it and what was causing it was not working. What could help me shake this?
Exercise
Off to the gym I went. I spent 20 minutes working hard on an elliptical machine. The workout was tough as I pushed myself quite hard. I made sure to have the iPod with me to help get my mind into a different flow. It worked quite well because in 20 minutes I had a great workout under my belt and I felt much better. No more floating anxiety.
To top it off I went to the lap pool and swam for 15 more minutes. After these two workouts I felt completely relaxed with no anxiety at all. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable afternoon.
The habit of exercise increases energy, increases strength and stamina, and may help with anxiety by producing more serotonin.
Do you use exercise to help with anxiety and panic?
What exercises do you find help you best?
May this be of benefit.
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