People with Anxiety Disorder can often feel like they are at their wits end to find a solution, but often that solution in right under their nose.   Medical science now acknowledges strongly that the marginal benefit of physical activity and exercise is, instead, a major weapon against these conditions.  While physical activity can aid in dealing with literally anything mental, in the case of Anxiety and Depression its value is monumental.  There are multiple reasons why this is true. 

First let’s examine the purely physical effects of strenuous exercise in the physiology of the anxiety sufferer.  With strong levels of both depression and anxiety come high levels of powerful and often debilitating hormones and chemical residuals.  These negative-effect hormones are not normally eliminated in the next 24 hours, staying in the system for several days.   When the kidneys cleanse the blood of an individual with dissolved adrenaline and related hormones they are more effective at separating and removing them if the blood is flowing from strenuous exercise, which also raises its temperature.

On the plus side – adding to your body chemistry levels – strenuous exercise produces valuable and important endorphins which produce not only a sense of wellbeing but they make the next day more easily deal with.

The question of degree – how much should I exercise – most experts agree that a schedule of limited exercise is wisest, especially in the beginning when exercise is probably the last thing on your mind.  So, start slowly and progress – with the increased levels of both endorphins and an improved psyche to propel you forward.  Set reasonable goals and document your plan as well as your accomplishment on a daily basis.  The reason to keep a record of your success is so that you can increase the level of exercise over time.  In the strange and wonderful psyche of the human being lies a treasure of emotion, in that just keeping a record that reflects success is itself strong medicine.

Recognizing the need to get started is the biggest challenge in and physical exercise regimen. Staying motivated is clearly mental but is much more easily accomplished if yesterday contains some successes, namely a recognition that you are caring for your body.  Talk to your doctors about your physical exercise plans and get their recommendations. The final point that should be made is that the raised body temperature produced by exercise is recognized as producing a calming effect on the body.

The emotional benefits of physical exercise are many and hopefully don’t bear repeating here.  Again, the best way stop panic attacks and generally impact depression is to fight your way to positive thinking with exercise.