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Change Your Exercise Habits

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 6252

I try to take a lot of that Doctor speak and simplify it to what we can understand.

Davit

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 373

Davit, I did not know about your shopping bag theory and I think it's great!!

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 6252

Carmie

Did you read about my shopping bag analogy. The more you fill it with positive the more accessible it is. So repeating things positive gets them to the top of your memory where they are more accessible and become more believable. It really is that simple.

"I suppose"? No suppose, it works.

Davit.

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 373

Davit, you've done it again. Thank you. What does work for me is something that my therapist suggested - when I get that little flutter of panic in the middle of my run, I tell myself "This is a panic attack. It is annoying. It will not kill me" That is usually a great start. I just have to keep practicing, I suppose!
You are like a Jedi Master of Positive Thinking!

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 6252

carmie

Have you tried a mantra as a distraction when anxiety shows up. I combine it with breathing. On the in breath I say, "I'm okay" on the slow out breath (to get rid of lots of carbon dioxide) I say, "I'm really okay". Doesn't take long to believe it. (thought triangle effect)

Davit

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 373

Hi Ashley -

I love physical activity and being outside. I especially love when my children (ages 11 and 8) are interested in jogging with me or hiking or just playing outside. Of great concern to me is when my anxiety threatens to get in the way of these activities.

Whenever I run, I have to make sure that I have my cell phone with me and a bottle of water. I find that if I don't carry these things, I panic. I've also had anxiety on a few occasions while going on bike rides with the kids and I hate having to reveal to the kids that I am having anxiety.

I am so optimistic that the CBT techiniques that I learned from seeing a therapist and the strategies I am learning here will help me to move past this unfortunate period. There really is nothing quite so wonderful as being able to enjoy physical activities outdoors. Especially during this beautiful time of year (Autumn)!

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11213

How would changing your exercise habits change your life?

Physical exercise is a very effective way to reduce your level of anxiety. Aerobic exercise (which is exercise that involves steady movement and the use of your lungs) will help you get a reasonable increase in heart rate. As well, controlling your breathing when you walk, jog, swim, or bike will help reduce anxiety.

Exercising at least 20 minutes a day, at least three times a week can significantly reduce your level of depression or anxiety. A 20-minute walk 3 times per week may be a great start. If you have trouble leaving your home set up a treadmill, or jumping rope may be a great idea. Once you start exercising, you’ll find that you have more energy. You may even rediscover how good you can feel when you’re active and fit.

Here are some activities that can get you going, and try to use a few that can fit into your daily routine.

• Spend an hour playing with the kids
• Get off the bus a few blocks from work and walk the rest of the way
• Walk the dog after dinner
• Participate in a casual sport such as bowling or join a walking group
• Take up gardening in your back yard or on your balcony
• Spend your coffee break outside in the fresh air
• Ride your bike to the store
• Catch up on all those household projects you've been putting off
• Walk to the park on your lunch hour
• Do some gentle stretches in the morning
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator

Being physically active makes you feel good, and it will improve your well-being and attitude towards life. Any type of physical activity will do... as long as you’re active each day. Be sure to choose simple exercises that you enjoy - active living doesn't have to be a chore.

What activities do you chose?

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

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Change Your Exercise Habits