There is no doubt that our mental health impacts our physical well-being. When experiencing anxiety, there are a variety of symptoms that can come to the surface. Some common symptoms are racing thoughts, sweaty palms, a pit in your stomach, headache, and so much more. You may start to feel helpless, as if there is nothing you can do to change these physical symptoms. Research shows that there are ways to help lessen these symptoms, some of which are through physical activity.
When experiencing anxiety, your brain is releasing a chemical response to your body, indicating that something is wrong. This energy created in our bodies contributes to the development of some of those physical symptoms of anxiety mentioned above. When all that energy builds up, it is important to know what things you can do to manage anxiety symptoms. One way to cope with these symptoms is to burn off that energy through physical activity. Physical activity helps to manage anxiety symptoms by boosting a chemical called endorphins in our brain. Endorphins are a feel-good mood-elevating chemical that, when released, increases mood.
Physical activity can also provide a mode of releasing stress through movement of the body, which can lower anxiety symptoms. Some common physical activities to engage in are running, walking, yoga, and pilates. So next time your anxiety begins to take over or you are having a particularly anxious week, take time to get out and do something physical. You may be surprised at how much it can help manage your stress.