The best 3 exercises to help with Anxiety

When we think of doing exercises, there are so many options for us to choose from theses days within society from dancing, to weight training, spin classes, swimming and many other options.

With all these different options for us to choose from within society, it can be often confusing when we are trying to find that one exercise when we are feeling anxious within our day to day lives.

In today’s blog, we are looking at 3 of the best exercises to help with Anxiety.

Yoga

Yoga is such a popular, go to exercise for people wanting to relax and channel their inner Zen.  Yoga is a low risk method for healing both the mind and body.

Yoga focuses on deep breathing and internal focus which can help those who are suffering from Anxiety reason with their thoughts and be able to learn how to let go of them.

The positive effects of doing yoga can often be felt after just one class.

Some of the benefits from doing Yoga are:

• Lower heart rate
• Reduce the stress responses
• Reduces depression and anxiety
• Increase energy and feeling of well being

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that combines meditation and rhythmic breathing in a slow series of graceful body movements and poses that have withstood the test of time.

Some of the benefits from doing Tai Chi are:

• Reduces anxiety
• Reduces stress
• Improves balance
• Increases self esteem

Walking/Hiking

Going for a weekend walk or hike by the coast or mountains can have beneficial effects on your stress levels, more so than walking in the city.  Spending time in natural environments such as in the mountains can be a breath of fresh air as well as exploring new walking/hiking areas.

Being in a different environment acts as a distraction to your negative thoughts, you can meet new people along the walking/hiking tracks and see new things, plus hiking itself is known to be a mood boosting activity.  Being able to combine the two together can have a positive impact on your mental health.

So what sorts of exercises do you like to do that help you with your anxiety?

Amanda Ogden is from Sydney Australia, and has spent the past 13 years working within the welfare industry in both administration and case management assisting people with mental health issues, mild intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries, drug & alcohol, homelessness gain employment.  She also loves travelling, creating jewellery, music, friends and family.