Exercise can be a simple, effective and potentially fun way to keep your anxiety in check. But if it’s so great, why don’t more people do it?
Everyone has their reasons, but here’s a list of some common beliefs that stop people from exercising along with some suggestions for getting past them.
| Belief | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| There’s no time | Time is rarely the issue. In most cases, this is just another way of saying “it isn’t a priority.” Make it a priority and you’ll be surprised where you can find the time (for example, half an hour a day taken out of your television watching). |
| I’m too tired | Lots of people are tired after work. One option is simply not to try to do your exercise after work. Try to get a workout in before work, for example. What some people find surprising though, is that exercise can actually decrease fatigue, so often the hardest part of going after work is finding the motivation. Once you get started it feels great and can be rejuvenating. |
| It’s inconvenient to go somewhere/there are no gyms in my area | This one’s simple: You don’t need to go to the gym. Jumping rope and brisk walking are both perfectly legitimate forms of exercise. |
Of course, not all of these answers works for everyone, but the key is this: exercise is a potentially powerful, free and simple way to decrease anxiety. Consider working with your medical care provider to come up with a plan that works for you.
The beliefs listed above, along with a few others can be found in Natural Relief for Anxiety: Complementary Strategies for Easing Fear, Panic, and Worry
