It’s been proven that exercise is a great way to reduce anxiety – the physical and mental health benefits are well documented. It has been shown to improve mood, help with anxiety, decrease risk of depression, improve self-esteem, and confidence. For many people, it is a major coping mechanism to help them deal with their feelings or stress, and in some cases has been life saving. There are numerous studies that have shown that exercise can significantly reduce the number of panic attacks experienced and that individuals who were able to exercise at least four times a week were less likely to be depressed than those who exercised less often. It has been proven that exercise provides relief from stress that is comparable to medication and is an effective treatment for anxiety. 

I know that it can be difficult to get started, but it doesn’t have to be over the top, start slow. It’s all about getting the body moving, whether it is walking, running, cardio, yoga, it’s all good – and at the end of the day you’ll find your mental health will significantly improve.

Give exercise a try – what do you have to lose?