Anxiety and Exercise

[edgyboy]

I've always been a big proponet of exercising to control anxiety/depression. Back in January, I jogged a total of 50 miles by running everyday at lunchtime. Around January 25, I got a panic attack in my sleep. this started the worry cycle and I was soon in the midst of anxiety.

I continued to run everyday for a couple of weeks after the attack eventohough I was fearfull to leave my office to run. I then stopped running for two reasons, a sore back and FEAR! I feared going into a panic in work after running. Last week I started to feel better so I decided to start running again.

I ran all of last week and even over the weekend. Now I am getting anxiety again. I was sleeping well for the past week and a half but last night I got up at 130 and never went back to sleep. Last night my mind was racing and I was scared to even think about going to work today. My thoughts were scary too. Just normal thoughts at night about work or life in general were scary. Well to say the least, I am nervous today but I am in work.

I know this is all stress as it is a year today that my father passed away and I've been under alot of stress both at home and work. I thought that all the exercising I have been doing would have helped with how I feel but it hasnt.

Can anyone advise of what is going on?  

[kka264]

I just began to exercise and I can say sometimes I feel as though I'm scared to even begin or even try it--but when I let go of the fear and work out--I do not over exert myself--I just do enough to make me get a good sweat---but it makes a big difference for me.  It helps with my breathing and it frankly takes my mind off of the constant thoughts and anxiety.

Maybe you can build yourself back up slowly....instead of pushing so hard...work your way back up until you can manage that level again

[RubyWitch]

If you only began to experience anxiety AFTER your father passed away, I'd say that's more than likely your answer right there. Perhaps not the ONLY answer, but definitely a large part of it. The loss of a parent can be devastating. You do also mention stress at home and work.
Exercise IS an excellent means of coping with anxiety and stress, but sometimes it's just not enough.
I'd advise seeing your doctor for a thorough check-up and a frank and honest discussion about your mental/emotional health as well. It sounds to me like you would greatly benefit from some therapy. Your doctor can hopefully refer you to someone well versed in anxiety issues.
I wish you the best
Peace
Greenlydia

[remar]

I'm so sorry you lost your father. Year markers can be very stressful.
You might want to try a couple of things. First, grief counseling, and the second thing is to walk instead of run. Are you cooling down before stopping your run? It puts a lot of stress on the body if you do not cool down before stopping any exercise.