Whether it’s something small like being nervous about locking the door as we leave home or an attack that brings our day to an early end, everyone seems to deal with some level of anxiety.
According to the Mayo Clinic, dealing with anxiety is a normal part of life. However, it can become debilitating (and categorized as a disorder) for people with frequent and intense anxiety.
There’s good news, though!
You can do simple things, like regular exercise, to significantly boost your mental health. In this article, we will expand on how exercise can help with anxiety and depression, as well as provide some tips on how to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.
Does Exercise Help With Anxiety?
Studies published on PubMed show that the way our bodies handle dopamine is closely related to both anxiety and depression. When your brain doesn’t get the right amount of dopamine throughout the day, it’s more common to feel anxious or depressed.
Many factors affect our dopamine uptake, from the amount of time we scroll on social media to the food we eat.
One major factor in how we process dopamine is our daily activity level. Regular exercise plays a crucial role in dopamine regulation, and it can also help you better your mental health in many other ways, like:
Taking your mind off your worries: While working out, exercise becomes your sole focus and helps put your anxiety on the back burner.
Improving overall confidence: Hitting your workout goals is a huge confidence boost, and regular exercise helps you look and feel better about yourself.
Increasing interaction with other humans: Attending workout classes is an excellent way to grow positive interactions that help you overcome social anxiety (we’re big proponents of the social side of exercise at Fit Body Boot Camp).
We could go on about the mental health benefits of exercise for days, but we’ll keep it short and sweet with a resounding YES — exercise does help with anxiety and depression!
Tips for Easing Your Anxiety Through Exercise
Now that we’ve established that exercise can help ease your anxiety, let’s get to the good part — making a workout plan that allows you to cope in a healthy way.
Don’t Go Too Hard, Too Fast
One of the biggest mistakes people make when beginning their exercise journey is trying to do too much all at once. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work, especially when you’re attempting to overcome anxiety.
You shouldn’t be afraid to take baby steps. Instead of trying to get to the gym three days a week, just go for one. Alternatively, maybe don’t go to the gym at all and take a walk instead.
What matters most is that you ease into your exercise to establish a routine.
Plan Out Your Exercise Sessions
Speaking of establishing a routine, you need to have a plan when you’re trying to ease your anxiety through exercise. Not only does having a plan hold you accountable, but it also keeps you from worrying about how you will exercise.
Knowing what lifts you’re going to do when you walk into the gym, what classes you’re going to take, or how far you want to walk can be a weight off your shoulders when struggling with anxiety.
Find Workouts That Feel Good to You
This tip may be the most essential part of establishing a workout plan to help with anxiety — you need to find workouts that make you feel good.
Instead of HIIT or lifting weights, you may opt for yoga, jogging on the treadmill, or cycling. Everyone has a different exercise style that motivates them, and working out is always the most beneficial when you find the perfect exercise for you.
Join Us for a One-Of-A-Kind Group Exercise Experience at Fit Body Boot Camp
We want everyone to live their happiest and fullest lives. That’s why we offer group workouts and fitness coaching at Fit Body Boot Camp that help you feel amazing.
- All fitness levels are welcome
- Our signature Afterburn Workout burns twice the calories in just half the time and keeps your metabolism running at a higher rate for up to 36 hours post-workout
- Certified fitness coaches guide and motivate you throughout each class
- There is no intimidating equipment and absolutely no figuring it out alone
If you’re struggling with anxiety, exercise can be a game-changer in your mental health journey. Visit a Fit Body Boot Camp location near you today for a supportive group exercise experience and discover why participating in our classes is “The Best 30 Minutes of Your Day.”
