You may hear all the time how exercise is the answer; to physical problems as well as mental health. I used to constantly think this was either an urban myth or an attempt to get people to exercise more. However, I have been proved wrong!
I have recently started going back to the gym as one has opened a 5 minute walk from my house (bonus!!). I used to go to the gym but my anxiety refused to let me go so I had to cancel the membership. This was not want I wanted, but it had to be done.
When this gym opened and one of my best friends asked me if I wanted to join with her, I jumped at the chance. It is cheap so I thought that even if I didn’t go too often, I wouldn’t lose too much. I liked the fact that I would be able to go with my friend as I knew I would feel much anxious if I had her too.
It was such a good decision. I have found that since going there, my anxiety has got a little better. I have found that my mood has been improved as I am feeling much more motivated. It is also said to release endorphins that make you feel happier. Obviously I can’t tell if any endorphins have been released but I can ensure you that I have feeling much less low. It also takes my mind off a lot of things like negative thoughts or stresses so I can break the negative cycle. It is a healthy coping strategies which is the opposite of what I usually do to cope.
It also gives me a sense of commitment and purpose as I constantly want to be better than I currently am. I want to be able to lift more weights, hold exercises for longer and be able to run faster. I feel proud of myself when I manage to do something I didn’t think I could, when I improve and when I leave knowing I’ve worked as hard as I can.
Going with a friend is one of the best things as it makes it much more fun and you can motivate each other. I also feel much less self conscious of what I’m doing if I know that we are both doing it because if we look stupid, we look stupid together!
It has also had many physically benefits for me. I feel like my resting heart rate is beginning to decrease as it was through the roof with anxiety! I am feeling a lot less tired generally and generally less rubbish. I have lost some weight and my muscles are beginning to develop again. It’s nice to know that I am losing weight in a healthy way instead of just starving myself. This attacked my muscles so I lost a lot of that.
Obviously, it hasn’t cured anxiety or depression for me but I feel as if the symptoms have eased. This is a big step forward for me and I hope to continue with this.
Phoebe x
I have recently started going back to the gym as one has opened a 5 minute walk from my house (bonus!!). I used to go to the gym but my anxiety refused to let me go so I had to cancel the membership. This was not want I wanted, but it had to be done.
When this gym opened and one of my best friends asked me if I wanted to join with her, I jumped at the chance. It is cheap so I thought that even if I didn’t go too often, I wouldn’t lose too much. I liked the fact that I would be able to go with my friend as I knew I would feel much anxious if I had her too.
It was such a good decision. I have found that since going there, my anxiety has got a little better. I have found that my mood has been improved as I am feeling much more motivated. It is also said to release endorphins that make you feel happier. Obviously I can’t tell if any endorphins have been released but I can ensure you that I have feeling much less low. It also takes my mind off a lot of things like negative thoughts or stresses so I can break the negative cycle. It is a healthy coping strategies which is the opposite of what I usually do to cope.
It also gives me a sense of commitment and purpose as I constantly want to be better than I currently am. I want to be able to lift more weights, hold exercises for longer and be able to run faster. I feel proud of myself when I manage to do something I didn’t think I could, when I improve and when I leave knowing I’ve worked as hard as I can.
Going with a friend is one of the best things as it makes it much more fun and you can motivate each other. I also feel much less self conscious of what I’m doing if I know that we are both doing it because if we look stupid, we look stupid together!
It has also had many physically benefits for me. I feel like my resting heart rate is beginning to decrease as it was through the roof with anxiety! I am feeling a lot less tired generally and generally less rubbish. I have lost some weight and my muscles are beginning to develop again. It’s nice to know that I am losing weight in a healthy way instead of just starving myself. This attacked my muscles so I lost a lot of that.
Obviously, it hasn’t cured anxiety or depression for me but I feel as if the symptoms have eased. This is a big step forward for me and I hope to continue with this.
Phoebe x