Did you know that reports of anxiety are up 25% over the past couple of years?

I personally think this number is low since anxiety shows up in different ways for different people … and it’s not always easy to recognize it as anxiety.

A few ways it can show up: feeling restless or agitated, having headaches and/or unexplained pains, trouble focusing, feeling tired, disrupted sleep, worrying, or rolling the same-old, same-old thoughts over and over in your head.

One of the best natural ways to get almost immediate relief from anxiety is to EXERCISE – especially workouts that get your heart rate up!

It works in a few different ways to help you feel better, and studies show it rivals some prescription meds. (Pretty awesome!)

Here are a few ways exercise helps battle anxiety:

• It can get your mind off of whatever is making you feel anxious
• The very act of moving stops your muscles from being so tense
• Getting your heart rate up boosts anti-anxiety brain chemicals
• Plus, it activates the part of your brain that helps control the amygdala (Your amygdala can trigger feelings of fear & anxiety)
• PLUS … exercising regularly can help you become less vulnerable to strong emotions

The more regular you are about getting exercise, the better your anxiety-killing results.

For the best results, find activities that get your heart rate up AND that you like doing – and keep doing them.

It could be an after-dinner walk … a dance class … or going for a bike ride!

And … if you are experiencing serious anxiety, be sure to tell your doctor.

Just another reason to move your body or get in that workout!

REFERENCE:
www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-exercise-help-treat-anxiety-2019102418096