I honestly don’t even know why I’m worried most of the time. We’re doing well with money, my job is perfect and our kids are happy, but for some reason I’m constantly feeling anxious. I have trouble sleeping most times, and lately I’ve been feeling like I’m on the verge of having a full-fledged panic attack. Michael says I should probably do some exercise to calm my nerves, but would that even help? I guess it wouldn’t hurt to try, but I just don’t have the energy to do tiring workouts every day. Whatever this is, I need to fix it before it starts to take a toll on my family.
Even if sports are not your thing, chances are you’ve caught a glimpse of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro over the last few days. Maybe you’ve been one of the many viewers who have marveled at the physical prowess and athleticism of every competitor. Their years of physical discipline and exercise have turned their bodies into well-oiled machines, but exercise can also play a crucial role in reducing your stress and anxiety. The best thing is, your workouts don’t have to be as intense as an Olympian’s!
Stress and anxiety can have a negative effect on your personal and professional life, but with a bit of work, you can make your way back to normality.
...seven out of 10 adults claim that they experience stress and anxiety on a daily basis. Click To TweetA Common Problem
According to a study by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), seven out of 10 adults claim that they experience stress and anxiety on a daily basis. The majority claim it interferes moderately with their everyday life. In many cases, anxiety can affect an individual to the point of it disturbing his/her relationships, quality of life, job retention and social functioning. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of anxiety can include:
- Worrying
- Panic Attacks
- Trouble Sleeping
- Upset Stomachs
- Muscle Tension
- Sweating
- According to Michael Otto, Professor of Psychology at Boston University and author of Exercise for Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Proven Strategies for Overcoming Depression and Enhancing Well Being, studies have found that regular exercise can decrease anxiety while “promoting feeling of wellbeing.” While you may be thinking that you lack the time to establish an effective workout schedule, it’s important to remember that you don’t necessarily need grueling workouts to reduce stress and anxiety!
Keep it Simple
A study conducted at the Cooper Research Institute in Dallas, Texas by Dr. Andre Dunn discovered that patients who walked for 35 minutes, six days per week, reduced their levels of depression by 47%. In fact, many forms of exercise can have stress- and anxiety-reducing properties! If you’re ready to start building your own workout routine, here are some tips that can help:
- Have fun with it – Chances are you won’t stick to your workout if you aren’t enjoying it!
- Take it slowly – If you haven’t exercised in a while, try not to push your body. Slowly work your way up to a comfortable level.
- Change it up – Cardio and resistance training work better together than individually. If possible, start off by incorporating both into your routine.
- A coach can help – If you haven’t exercised before, a trainer could be a good addition to your allotted workout schedule.
- Listen to music – There’s nothing better than working out to the sounds of your favorite songs! Plus, studies have shown that listening to music while exercising can boost its benefits.
We’re Ready to Help
At Rice Psychology Group of Tampa, we understand that anxiety, stress and depression can leave a sizeable dent in your life, but we’re here to help. If you or your loved ones are ready to take the first step towards feeling better, know that our team of psychologists is ready to make a difference.
Our job is to help you identify any potential issues in a comfortable environment so we can find a solution together. For more information about our services, or if you have any questions, contact us in Tampa today.
