Anxiety Into Prosperity
4-min read
Anxiety! Yay! There’s so much of it to go around these days, I say we use it!
Have you wanted to go to town on a punching bag recently? Scream in a pillow? Or even just crawl into a hole and wait for the world to collapse and rebuild itself before emerging?
Anxiety can come in many forms, but one thing that can help to tame it is…you guessed it. Physical exercise!
The easy road is to fall into a couch, constantly updating our phones' various news feeds, social media, or direct messaging platforms waiting for the world to give us the information we want to hear. Clearly this will not resolve any of your anxiety. It will require a bit more proactive effort on your part.
Have you tried screaming into a pillow when the pressure feels like it’s overwhelming? Have you felt the temporary relief that gives you? Well, take that a step further.
Exert That Energy
Exerting physical energy helps your body regulate its energy systems, so that your mental stress can also get balanced out. Now this doesn’t negate the power of meditation. In fact, meditation can be done through movement as well. It doesn’t always have to be done lying or sitting still. Though static meditation helps you filter through your thoughts that much more, sometimes using a familiar exercise routine can be a great way to filter through your thoughts while physically exerting any anxiety those thoughts may bring on.
The Science Behind Exercise and Anxiety Relief
The connection between physical activity and mental health isn’t just anecdotal—science backs it up. When you exercise, your body produces endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. These neurotransmitters play a significant role in enhancing mood and promoting a sense of well-being. Endorphins act as natural painkillers, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety, and creating a calming effect on the mind.
Additionally, exercise helps regulate other neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are closely linked to mood regulation and feelings of happiness. When these chemicals are balanced, they can help counteract the negative effects of anxiety and prevent the cycle of negative thinking that often accompanies anxious thoughts.
How Exercise Reduces Anxiety Symptoms
Reduces Muscle Tension
One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety is muscle tension. Anxiety can cause the muscles to tighten, leading to discomfort or even pain. Exercise helps to relieve this tension by increasing blood flow and relaxing the muscles. Whether it’s a stretching routine or a vigorous workout, moving your body helps break the cycle of tension that exacerbates anxiety.Distracts Your Mind
When anxiety takes hold, your mind races with worries and negative thoughts. Exercise offers a welcome distraction by allowing you to focus on the task at hand—whether that’s a cardio session, strength training, or yoga. By concentrating on your movement and breathing, your mind can take a break from the constant stream of anxious thoughts. This mental shift can bring a sense of calm, even if it’s temporary.Improves Sleep
Anxiety often disrupts sleep patterns, making it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night. Regular exercise, however, can help regulate your sleep cycle by promoting deeper, more restful sleep. Better sleep means improved mental clarity and emotional resilience, both of which help you manage anxiety more effectively.Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem
Exercise empowers you to take control of your body and your health. When you set fitness goals and achieve them, even small ones, it creates a sense of accomplishment. This boosts self-esteem and fosters a more positive self-image. Feeling strong and capable can significantly counteract the feelings of helplessness and insecurity that often accompany anxiety.Improves Resilience to Stress
Exercise helps to build mental resilience. The physical stress you place on your body during exercise—whether it's lifting weights, running, or practicing yoga—teaches you how to manage and cope with stress in a controlled environment. Over time, this improves your ability to handle the stresses of daily life without becoming overwhelmed. You’ll notice that you can approach stressful situations with a clearer mind and a stronger sense of calm.
YOU HAVE THE POWER
It’s important that your exercise routine regularly challenges you. Push yourself, safely within your limits, but past those initial points where you’d easily stop. Release those endorphins in your body and in turn, calm your mind with a bliss that YOU created. YOU have the power to control your response. YOU have the ability to shift your anxiety into a reason to better yourself. YOU have the power to convert that energy into something useful.
Take those anxious feelings and exert them through strong powerful movements that make you sweat, so when you find yourself that much healthier on the other side, you can say “Wow, that anxiety was exhilarating. I’ve never pushed myself so hard before!”
If you’re anxious, let’s do this!
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