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Anxiety And Exercise
Blog | November 16, 2018
My mindset in my younger years is different than how it is today. First of all, back then I thought that when I’d turn older, I’d be ancient, but also very wise, calm and s hundred times more confident and totally worry-free. While I don’t feel ancient, I’m not as stress-free as I thought I’d be.
Stress and anxiety are normal parts of life, just like joy and happiness. The world is full of opposites, which I believe are necessary to create balance and also meaning. What would happiness mean to you if you never experienced sadness, stress, anxiety, or any other negative emotion? Negative emotions are not necessarily bad. They guide us, teach us and protect us. You can learn a lot about yourself from your negative emotions… however, they can become a problem if they persist, creating a negative emotional imbalance resulting in stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic anxiety disorders.
I had gone through major anxiety after I turned 30 and sought out professional help for the first time in my life. Anxiety can be triggered by numerous factors and combinations including:
- Genetics
- Brain Chemistry
- Substance Abuse
- Lack of Movement/ Activity
- Medical Issues
However, it’s common for stress to build up as a result of simply getting older. It gets made up of major life changes, losses, and health problems. In my case, it was just a stress build up over time by going through major changes like divorce, moving from country to country, loss of my blog, starting a new blog, change of work environment, and starting a new relationship.
Now I see the benefits of talking to someone who can help to sort things out in your head and work through your emotions. Personally, I am strongly against taking medications for depression and anxiety, even though I know people who had a good experience with them. I am not saying that medications are bad. My belief is that they would be bad for me. I have always been cheerful and positive minded person and I would feel like I am taking the cheap way out instead of facing the challenge and coping with it in a healthy and natural way.
There is no doubt that exercise has healing effects on anxiety and depression. Besides talking to my therapist every once in a while, exercise has been the number one go-to coping strategy for me. It has not been always easy to get myself motivated to exercise, especially when I’m feeling down, but once I get started, it always makes a huge difference. I get my mood elevated immediately after a few minutes into my training and feel amazing for hours afterward. The best benefits come from intense exercises that burn away stress hormones such as cortisol while improving the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters in the brain.
So the next time you’re dealing with the blues, or need to get over a funk, try kicking your butt with a short and sweet training session. Even a brisk walk outside can help. For further guidance and structure in your routine, consider signing up for the ZGYM.
Talking more often about exercise and the positive effects it has on anxiety is something I really want to do more on my blog, because anxiety and depression is something that has affected me, people that I am close to, and millions of Americans.
Share your insight, stories, advice, and opinions in the comments below. Looking forward to reading them.
Best,
Zuzka.
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Private Member |
i ment that’s true 🙂 (y) hang on and let keep the good work (everyone)
Private Member |
Thank you Zuzana! You are so genuine and it shows. I have gone through/still am going through stressors that cause anxiety but have beat the worst of it with healthy diet and exercise. You are brilliant and beautiful, love your posts 🙂
Private Member |
Working out definitely lets me get my stresses out in a productive and safe (emotionally) way. I don’t have as many negative thoughts about myself, I feel better, I have more energy.. the benefits of healthy diet and exercise are endless! I just keep on repeating this Zuzka but you are just the biggest role model in my life right now. Really and truly. You are so real and down to earth. You approach things from perspectives that everyone can relate to. I appreciate that. Because of you, I am getting into shape faster and better than I ever thought I could. I’m seeing dreams come true because of your help. Keep doing what you’re doing! You’re helping so many of us. Thank you for relating and sharing parts of yourself that you don’t have to. With all my sincerity, Shannon
Private Member |
I’m turning 34 and am going through the exact same things as you had (moving country to country, lost job, started over, got divorced, moved again, new relationship, etc.). Knowing that you (of all people) were dealing with anxiety makes you authentic. Thank you so much for sharing. You motivate me everyday to pick myself up and keep striving!
Private Member |
<3
Private Member |
I also had a “problem” with taking medication for depression and anxiety but was desperate for help. I took it for about a year and every day felt like I wasn’t taking care of the real problem. I was on them for a little over a year and in the meantime I researched and found out about exercise helping. I got in the exercise habit and have been off meds now for 2 years! Everybody is different and respond to different treatments but I fully believe in trying the natural way.
Private Member |
Hey Z thanks for sharing a little piece of your life, you are amazing, and keep your back Straight and head up, like you always do. I love you.
Private Member |
Wow there are so many similarities of what you wrote with what I’m dealing with. I try and turn to exercise but sometimes I loose all motivation. I’ve used natural healing methods that I found about a year ago and I’ve been doing both exercise and my natural remedies and it is helping me a lot, along with my therapist. I will always be a follower of you and I am thankful for your openess and honesty.
Private Member |
Having suffered from mental illness for most of my life–it started in my teens–and having been treated on and off over the years, I can honestly say when I’m in a good enough place in my head that working out does seem to help. I will also say that working out has never produced in me any kind of euphoria or good feelings.
Currently I am in a pretty good place and just finished the 12 week zcut power cardio program. I’m looking to keep on moving and need a little direction–my mind is quite scattered, even on the meds. For me, at least for the time being, I need the meds to function. Especially the anxiety and antidepressant that allows me to sleep…I would be really lost without them. I don’t think of it as an easy way out, in the depths or my despair they are the only way out. But, the therapy sessions are also very important and I have finally found someone I have a rapport with who is as smart as me and doesn’t allow me to get away with anything.
In this situation, the exercise is the icing on the cake. I couldn’t do it without the meds and therapy…but I am thrilled I do get to exercise, because it makes me healthier overall and makes me focus on what I’m doing and eating. I hope that some day I can give up the meds altogether…though I don’t see that day on the horizon…
Private Member |
oh, btw, I have depression, anxiety and what they like to call mild long cycling bi-polar 2. or it could just be adhd. i exhibit symptoms of that too. (I forgot to add this to the previous post…I got distracted.)