At Neuliven Health, we aim to promote healthy lifestyles for our customers. Exercise aids health and wellness in so many ways, physically and mentally. It has been touted as an anti-depressant for years, and new research is supporting working out as a treatment for anxiety.

It is important to note that exercise is not a substitute for other treatments. Therapy and medications shouldn’t be exchanged for jogging. While exercise may help, it is something to add to a routine, not replace it. Additionally, this information is not intended to say that exercise is a panacea that works for everyone. Some people with depression are too tired to exercise; folks with anxiety may have problems leaving the house for a walk.

Moreover, if you aren’t someone who regularly exercises, being told it’s going to be a fun way to help yourself doesn’t ring true. Not excelling at an activity can feel disheartening and embarrassing. Many reports about exercise and mental health link feelings of accomplishment or gained confidence to a workout’s benefits. (https://www.verywellmind.com/physical-exercise-for-panic-disorder-and-anxiety-2584094) If you don’t feel positive about your workout, or feel like you’re too out of shape, that might not hold true for you. The important thing is to get moving, to find activities you enjoy and then participate in them. It’s crucial, when battling anxiety, to not add new stress to your life by worrying about working out on a schedule, you have to find something that is right for you!

One of the reasons that exercise can help people with anxiety is that it can release pent up energy and reduce worry. It also lessens the biological reaction to stress, lowering cortisol — the stress hormone. This means it can reduce panic attacks. And this occurs with both Tai Chi and yoga, both of which you may find more comfortable to ease into then running. Also, any amount of exercise is better than none. As little as a 10-minute walk can have the same impact and elevate your mood as much as a 45-minute workout. And remember that dancing, gardening and keeping up with bustling children or grandchildren all count as exercise.

Getting outside, into daylight, can significantly aid mental health. And, exercising can distract you from anxieties. When these are irrational worries, it can help them fade, so they don’t come back later. Wonderfully, exercise works as a short-term treatment. A single workout can elevate mood and ease tension — no need for a buildup to see an impact.

Speak to your doctor before making a life change. While we always encourage people to get up and get moving, your doctor can advise you on the correct level of exercise for you!