Improving your physical wellbeing can help you feel better about yourself. It can also improve concentration and energy levels, which can both be affected by worrying and feeling anxious. Exercise also produces endorphins – chemicals produced naturally by the body which can boost your mood and improve your ability to sleep.
In the Anxiety and feeling worried section we explored the primitive human response known as ‘Flight or fight‘ which is designed to help us deal with a possible danger or threat. When the response is triggered blood flow to the muscles increases as extra energy is needed to help us run or fight. If unreleased, this energy can cause tension in our muscles. There are lots of great ways of exercising which can help you let off a little steam and restore your mind and body to a much calmer state. Some people like to take a gentle walk in the park, while others find a run can help clear their head. Other people enjoy team sports such as playing a game of football. Whatever activities you prefer, remember, though, that it’s important to combine exercise with breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques for effects to be longer lasting.