Anxiety and depression are two conditions that can cause many problems. Someone suffering from anxiety and depression often has trouble concentrating, is unnaturally fatigued, suffers from constant stress and experiences physical symptoms such as sweating, dry mouth and headaches. There are several ways to treat anxiety and depression, including the use of prescription medications and therapy. Exercise is another way to treat both anxiety and depression.
Be Intense
Intense exercise, performed on a regular basis, is an effective treatment for anxiety and depression, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). One of the reasons that exercise helps reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression is that exercising triggers the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins within the brain, notes the Mayo Clinic. These feel-good chemicals boost mood, improve confidence and provide a calming effect on the brain.
Do What You Like
Aerobic exercise, such as running or bicycling, strength training, yoga and other forms of flexibility training, all have a positive effect on depression, according to the UMMC. Choosing an exercise that you enjoy makes it much easier to maintain a workout schedule. For exercise to be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression, it is important to exercise most days of the week. While the after effects of exercise will linger, the most dramatic effects are felt immediately after exercising. Exercising increases body temperature, which helps the participant feel calm. The time spent exercising also allows the participant to focus on other activities and provide a distraction from everyday concerns.
Active is Not Exercise
People with active jobs, such as food servers, or loading dockworkers, often believe that time spend at work translates to exercise. While it is true that someone with an active job will burn more calories at work than someone with a sedentary job, and will often have a higher level of physical fitness, the benefits do not extend to easing anxiety and depression. Exercise reduces anxiety and depression when the exercise is intentional, and not due to demands in the workplace, according to a study reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
Use Other Methods
While exercise is an effective tool for conquering anxiety and depression, it is not the only one. Talk to your healthcare provider about medications, therapy and behavior modification tools that, along with exercise, can ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety. While some people can manage their symptoms of anxiety and depression with exercise alone, others require a multifaceted approach for treatment.
