Exercising for Anxiety

Exercise Reduces Anxiety

One of the natural ways to reduce anxiety, is exercise. In my twenties, I exercised A LOT. I went to a gym twice a day and was in great shape. Is it a coincidence that during that time, I barely had ANY panic attacks? I think not.

I know that exercise will help, but I am still not doing it. Is it that I am unmotivated? Could it just be that I am too tired? Are the medications keeping me down? The answer to these questions is YES. I am unmotivated, I am tired and one of the side effects of the medication I am on is tiredness. What do I do?

The same thing everyone else does. Push through it. I know how to workout and I have done it most of my life. I’ve been to the gym thousands of times and used free weights and machines. I have done all kinds of classes at the gym as well. In my home I have everything I would need – a mat, weights, videos and apps.

Where to start with exercise?

The problem is that I am not 20 anymore. I am 44 and out of shape. When I was 20, I did not start by working out every day for two hours. I started SLOWLY and worked up to my crazy routine. In my mind, I feel like I can do the same thing now, that I was doing years ago. Well, I can’t. I need to start slowly like when I started in my twenties. Now that I am in my forties, I need to start even slower!

Set a goal, like walking!

Today, I am going to set a new goal. I have a fitbit and my goal is just 6,000 steps. I NEVER make it. I work in an office, at a desk all day. I get involved in my work and do not get up hardly ever. I ignore my goal and the reminders I have set. This stops now.

There is no reason I cannot walk 6,000 steps in a day. Starting today, I will make it a point to fulfill this goal at least 4 times a week – I have to be realistic.

Join me!

If you have a fitbit, please invite me to join your community and we can do a challenge together. I should be easy to find: “Ainel Varona”.

Let’s get exercising!!

Any tips for getting started, besides JUST START!? 🙂