Workout Ideas for Anxiety and Depression

Working out. It's easier said then done. Especially if you suffer from anxiety or depression. I know for me, when i have a bad episode of depression I have no motivation to exercise. And when I have anxiety or panic attacks, all I want to do is curl up in a blanket and sleep. But exercise has been proven to help with with your mental wellbeing. But where do you start?

There are many kinds of workouts that are good for you. But it all depends on your motivation, energy levels, and your preferences. So how about we look at a ew ideas.

Yoga

Yoga is more on the softer side of working out. When I say this, I mean it doesn't require running or jumping. It's not a heavy cardio workout. But it is still very effective in working your muscles. But it does more than that. In yoga practice you learn how to be more entuned with your body. How to be more mindful and present in the moment. And you learn how to breathe. Wait, learn to breathe? Don't we do that already? Yes, but this is a controlled, mindful breathing. This can calm your heart rate which can lead to relaxation. It also brings more oxygen to your muscles which in turn makes them work better. Yoga has been practiced for years. It has been proven to ease anxiety, calm the mind. So if you want something easy to start with, while concentrating on your mental health at the same time, I would recommend yoga.

Walking

This too is a very simple but effective exercise. It is considered a cardio workout, but it's easier on you than running. Some people walk using a treadmill, but if you want the extra benefits you should walk outdoors in nature. This allows you to practice mindfulness and being present in the moment. At the same time, exercising your body. If you are a beginner, set a timer on your phone for 10 minutes. Walk until your timer goes off, then start walking back home. From there you can extend your walks as they become easier. Walking is great if you struggle with motivation. It can help the get the ball rolling.

Pilates

Perhaps you want something a bit more challenging, or you are more advanced in working out. Pilates is similar to yoga in that there is stretching and can enhance your flexibility. But Pilates is a bit more intense than yoga. It works the smaller muscles in your body compared to the bigger muscles that you use while weight lifting. This causes a slimmer appearance, but also makes you very strong. This is perfect if you love yoga and want more of a challenge.

Hobbies

What do I mean when I say hobbies? I'm talking about things that you enjoy that get you moving. For example, I love the water and swimming. There are actually mermaid classes near me that I was thinking of taking. So yes, it is something fun, but at the same time is exercise. You may not even realize you are exercising. Some other examples could be ballet or dance, horseback riding, sports such as soccer and basketball, even rollerblading or ice skating. Maybe you would just like to go walk on the beach a couple times a week. That too is exercise. Anything you can think of that can get your body moving while still having fun. This I would highly recommend if you have anxiety or depression. A hobby like this can do wonders for your mental health while at the same time keeping your body physically healthy. It can also give your a reason to get up out of bed everyday.

So what is the point of all this? Basically, your physical health and your mental health are connected. Staying physically health can improve your mental health. Exercising doesn't have to be hard. And you can start out small if you lack motivation and energy. I've been there so I understand. When you are mentally exhausted, going to the gym is the last thing you want to do. So start with finding something you really enjoy. And don't be hard on yourself. It may take some time to get into the rhythm. But once you do, you'll be glad you did.