Success story - EXERCISE and stress/anxiety

[Limonada]

I just wanted to share that I've joined the gym at work this week...not just in an effort to get more in shape after a brutal Canadian winter, but also to help combat my anxiety and depression while I wait to start therapy (I'm on a waiting list and they STILL haven't called me....grrr!)  

Anyway, I've always been pretty intimidated by gyms and their equipment, but this week I just bit the bullet and went in and met with a fitness consultant who worked out a program with me.  So far, I'm having a lot of fun with it....I feel like I'm doing something that is very healing for myself - in that hour I'm at the gym, I let my worries and stresses melt away and just concentrate on the workout.  

I'm currently on Celexa for my anxiety/depression and would like to be able to stop it eventually, so maybe this is a step in that direction, too, giving me another, healthy outlet.

[worried826]

You need to figure out how to get over being aware of your heartbeat somehow. Either force yourself to exercise or so see a therapist.

[dmbfan07cb]

What should i do? I'm afraid to exercise because I hate being aware of my heartbeat and I almost always feel a little dizzy afterward and it scares me so bad, doc says its normal to feel a bit dizzt after some exercise but i cant help to be scared of it....

[worried826]

Yes exercise helps greatly in stress/anxiety relief. I usually workout often and it really makes your body and mind feel good. Streneous exercise releases endorphins which elevate the mood.

Too bad for me sometimes my anxiety gets the best of me though and i wont work out for a while.

[CaliGirl48]

Awesome! I'm glad to hear you are doing what I wish I could do =)

I really feel the urge to get out and exercise too, I know it will make me feel better after this long winter we have had as well. (Minnesota)

I'm going to start walking, and hopefully will work up the courage to get back to the gym in a few weeks.

Good for you!

Crystal