Exercise and anxiety

Exercise is an effective anti-anxiety treatment. It relieves stress and tension, boosts both physical and mental energy, and enhances well-being via the release of endorphins. Anything that gets you moving can help, but you will get a bigger benefit if you pay attention.

For example, try to notice the sensation of your feet hitting the ground, or the feeling of the wind on your skin, or the rhythm of your breathing. By adding this mindfulness element – deaply focusing on your body and how it feels when you exercise – you will not only improve your physical condition faster, but you might also be able to interrupt the flow of constant worries that run through your head.

Exercise and stress

Have you ever noticed how your body feels when you are under stress? Your muscles might be tense, especially in your face, neck, and shoulders, which leave you with back or neck pain, or painful headaches. You might feel a tightness in your chest, muscle cramps, or a pounding pulse. You might also experience problems like insomnia, heartburn, diarrhea, stomachache, or frequent urination. The discomfort and worry of all these physical symptoms can in turn lead to even more stress, causing a vicious cycle between your mind and body.

Exercising is a natural and effective way to break this cycle. Besides releasing endorphins in the brain, physical activity also helps to relax the muscles and relieve tension in the body. Because the body and mind are so closely linked, as your body feels better so, too, will your mind.

Exercise and ADHD

Exercising regularly is one of the most simple and effective ways to reduce the symptoms of ADHD as well as improve concentration, motivation, mood, and memory. Physical activity can immediately boost the brain’s norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin levels – all of which affect focus and attention. By this way, exercise works in the same way as ADHD medications like Ritalin and Adderall.