Essential Exercise Questions: Will Working Out Cure My Anxiety?
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Contributing post
You've probably read plenty of articles based around the idea that a good work out can do wonders for those suffering from anxiety. Of course, this idea is based on sound science. Yet, there is a difference between whether a workout alleviates anxiety and whether it can cure it altogether. A topic that we will explore in more depth below.
Why exercise helps anxiety
Exercise is said to be excellent for anxiety because it allows the body to act out the stress reaction in a natural way. That is when we are anxious our bodies get the signal to fight or fly away from the situation we see as dangerous. Unfortunately, most of us cannot immediately take these actions in day to day life. Therefore we are left with a body flooded full of hormones like adrenaline and cortisone that make us feel nervous and jittery.
Of course, when we take action to move and burn these off through exercise, it's only natural that we begin to feel better. Add the extra endorphins moving our body creates, and you can see that working out is most definitely a powerful tool in your anti-anxiety arsenal.
However, what we need to remember here is that exercise is primarily burning off the anxiety and stress hormones that the body releases. What this means is it relieve the symptoms. Of course, that in itself can make you feel loads better at the moment and afterward too. Yet, it doesn't actually address the mental processes that causing anxiety to occur in the first place. Happily, there are some techniques that you could use that do.
Therapy
One technique that has shown to be very effective in treating anxiety is to seek out therapy. A method that can help us to identify the causes and process behind why we are getting stressed and address them more healthily.
In fact, you will find that there is a whole range of types and formats of therapy available now. With some people choosing to go to a residential anxiety treatment center for intensive help. While others work over the telephone or online with a counselor to get better. A choice that is often dependent on how much your anxiety is impacting your day to day life.
Although a word of warning is needed here. Please remember that it is vital that you seek out the correct sort of therapy for the specific type of anxiety condition you have. The reason being that some forms such as OCD may require particular approaches like ERP to see any significant improvement.
Medication and natural remedies
Another technique that can help those suffering from anxiety is to use medication or natural remedies. Of course, the best way to decide what would suit you is to consult with your medical professional and see what is on offer.
In fact, just like exercise, many people choose to take medication alongside using other coping techniques such as exercising regularly and going to therapy as well. Therefore combining the efficacy of all three. Something that providing them with the best chance to manage the anxiety in their lives successfully.
For more fitness inspiration and barre workouts visit Nadia Murdock Fit on Instagram @NadiaMurdock and the NMFIT Blog!