Does Exercise Really Heal Anxiety?
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- čas přidán 29. 10. 2017
- In this video, author and depression counselor Douglas Bloch shares his experience of how exercise helps him to manage his anxiety. He also provides scientific evidence that shows how and why exercise reduces anxiety and calms both the mind and body.
To visit my websites on depression recovery and suicide prevention, go to healingfromdepression.com and www.overcomingsuicidalpain.com/
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Thank you Douglas for being dedicated to helping people like this. You definitely deserve more views and subscribers for what you do. You have really helped me through hard times in my life.
Thank you for your kind words. You might want to tune into my live video Q&A chat tomorrow, November 1 at 11 am Pacific Time. Just go to my CZcams channel home page at that time.
I will, thank you.
Douglas Bloch I always loved exercise but going through an episode of anxiety.
Thanks I’m going through similar stuff I’ll try exercising to help
walking and swimming in the morning biking in the afternoon are my daily routines.been panick attack free for a year already.
Nice.
yes!! good for you!!
Wow happy for you
Ok ima go walking right now. Hahaha
how much time do you spend on exercise??
I have been living with horrible anxiety for about 6.5 years, and I gotta say, exercise has been an answer to my prayers. I work out almost every night now and I have noticed my anxiety is almost gone. I was so confused when my anxiety didn't act up especially since my anxiety is like clockwork. I couldn't even drive without having panic attacks or getting dizzy and now I feel the anxiety rising and then it goes down almost immediately. It's the strangest thing but I know exercise is the key to keeping my anxiety away. I can think more clearer and my body feels stronger. So weird that exercise was the answer all along.
Thanks for sharing. Exercise helps many people with anxiety and with depression.
by dizzy? do you mean constant swaying and off balance while in traffic or around too many people?
noo way thats crazyyy
@@mirnesg1538 I think so, like your equilibrium being off
this gives me hope
Eat healthily, keep yourself hydrated, sleep in complete darkness at night, and exercise even for atleast 30 minutes every day, that's the key to be anxiety/depression-free for me. I used to have horrible racing thoughts before sleeping, I'd be worried about everything 24/7, my heart would be racing all day, had no motivation to do anything, was angry and sad all day .
It is so much easier to heal once your body is healthy and not messing up with your thoughts
I totally agree
This is exactly how I am. And when I try and do things that I'm nervous about, I always mess up because my anxiety gets so bad I start to shake and panic, always end up messing up! 😖
@bangtanbangtan8338 Mate you described my list of my biggest issue ever since 2018 due to stress and bottled-up emotions, I maybe should be exercising as much as I can even if I did not want to it should help plus I am aware but I am like stuck in a cage, I pray this day and night it will help my severe depression and anxiety 😭🙏
I lift weights and I think it calms my nervous system..like it burns that negative hyper energy
I feel exactly the same
Lifting weights might trigger your anxiety but walking, running, swimming and cycling will surely keep it down
@@abdullahasif1889 Lifting weights doesn't trigger my anxiety since the time spent lifting is so little and the 1m to 1m30s rest inbetween keeps the heart rate low. Cardio screws me up bad and I have anxiety attack for 2 to 5 hours after even power-walking for 30 minutes. It all really depends on the individual. Cardio is good for some, bad for others. Lifting is good for some, bad for others.
@@aahlstrom93 sounds interesting
@@abdullahasif1889 for whatever reason, lifting weights makes me feel _so_ calm and good, its like life changing. Every day from now on.
Hi Doug. I love this video. I had crippling panic and Agoraphobia for 10 years and I started to run out of pure desperation. The first few days I couldn't even run around my neighborhood I was too fearful of going far from home fearing heart attack etc. Anyways I kept going I knew I had to keep going I adopted a mindset of " i don't care if I die on a run I'm done with this anxiety and panic " I ran almost every single day for 5 months in the 4th month I ran the Dublin half marathon. Incredible. And the 5th month I took a plane journey to see my girlfriend in Paris France. Running changed my life. I ran into panic and my Agoraphobic zones. And I lost my fear of panic. I'm so grateful beyond words I am recovered 3 years now 🙂💪🏾👍🏾
Thats a wonderful story. Might you be interested in appearing on my Back From the Brink video series where people share how they overcame depression or anxiety?
@@DouglasBloch absolutely Douglas I would love that
Pls help me to come out of my anxiety. I have cardio phobia. Having pain all over the upper body
@@DouglasBloch hi Doug. I'm just returning to this comment to say I'm still extremely interested in taking part in your back from the brink series. Hope to hear back from you 🙏🏽
Nice man, how are you now
For anxiety, the best is to exercise then meditate after :)
I'm suffering from anxiety disorder from 3 years... Taking medication... And now when I was running I loosing my mental stability...can u plz tell me Wat is my problem....
@Joseph Dejesus tqs bro. For yur support
One night last week I was feeling anxious all day
At night I decided to sit outside early evening and decided to water my lawn
I felt brilliant and relaxed afterwards
It really does work. Even if you are a smoker or don't consider yourself fit. Aerobic style exercises and streching works better than any pill I ever took.
"I am swimming for my life"
Yes, this is exactly how I feel when I exercise to reduce anxiety.
The second half of this video is exceptionally worded. I’m a psychiatric RN and this is extremely beneficial as it makes sense using large muscles to trick your brain into fleeing the threat. Bless you for helping people. Your struggles and experience are helping so very many
Thanks Michelle. It's a good service you are providing. Have you seen a copy of my book Healing from Depression? I think that it might be a helpful tool for your patients. Here is a link.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/0892541555/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2
I've been out for 2 walks today but I can't walk from long due to an accident that left me with a disability. However getting out in the fresh air and walking at my own pace is still exercise. I'm just taking things one hour at a time as that is all I can deal with at the moment and that's ok. Nothing worse than putting too much pressure on myself. I am my own worst critic, but today has been a good day and I've managed to achieve everything on my to do list. I'm proud of myself today.
Nice work. It's good that you are getting fresh air. I lived in Scotland during the summer of 1982 and loved it. But I left in September before the winter set in.
Love you man
Thank you for this Douglas! 😀🙏🏻
Thank you for your wisdom, and dedication.
thankyou Douglas much appreciated information
Awesome video Douglas and SO true x
Thank you for this video
Thank you so much Douglas this was very helpful
Needed this video today🧡🙏🏽💙
Thanks Doug, I always appreciate Your videos!
Glad you like them!
Exercising can absolutely help anxiety. Absolutely. I love it. My therapist didn't even suggest it. I just did it myself one day because you all know how it is. You get so anxious you don't know what to do with yourself. You just have to go and run like a maniac. Now I'm trying to make running into a routine , first thing in the morning. Wonders.
Thank You for your videos!
Thanks so much for this and your other excellent videos, exercise really does help my anxiety, especially when I first wake up in the morning.
Very informative. Wow! Thank you very much
Doug, thank you so much for this video. Great information. It was very informative.
You are welcome
Had 2 ER visits in the last few weeks. Totally new to panic attacks as of this year. I’m 30 and former military (meaning I’m in okay physical shape and have added some extra padding since getting out at 24 lol)
YES. Work it out!!! I work my butt off. I even took a night job so I could sleep in and work out before my ‘day’ starts. Life is great now
Always inspirational Doc. Happy Holidays to you and your family. Wishing you God blessing
Exercise absolutely helps. Anxiety seems to be some kind of excess energy, very different from depression. Exercise helped me against depression, but it's way more effective against anxiety in my experience.
Thank you so much for your work
You are very welcome
Thanks Douglas. That's good
Thank you for your commitment and wisdom. You have a new subscriber. Well appreciated 👍🏽
Thank you for keeping it simple, great video. I swim/run a few times a week and it’s vital for me to keep anxiety at bay.
Thank you so much my anxiety has waxed and waned since Covid 19. God Bless you
Thank you douglas, great video!
Very welcome
Great vid as usual i need much more exercise
Thank you 🙏🏽
Lovely video my life changed when i started to exercise. It was tought i had many panic atrack on the way but i never abandoned my routine.
Walking always helps me relieve my stress and symptoms..but it is temporary and limited. I Needed to examine and correct core beliefs given to me as a child from religious indoctrination. I had a very hard life because of it..but now I can be proud that I made it Through it and I plan to make up for it!
THANK YOU..!!!!
🙏🏻💙
Overwhelmed with anxiety and feeling gutted... so I can't even move or muster up the strength to do any exercise....yes I also have restlessness and agitated. But I know I must aim to resume my exercise routine. Soon. Exercise is lifesaving I'm sure 🐺🌞🐈
Yes, you must. See my comment!
get moving. Thank you sir!
Thanks Douglas
So so helpful. Thank you. Subscribed
I'm glad the video was helpful
wonderfu video, thank you so much. this works!!!!!!!!!
Douglas, your videos are so so helpful. Even just listening to you speak is so calming.
Thanks.
Forgot to say that I am looking forward to your live chat on Wednesday here in freezing Scotland. Bless you Douglas 😀
I'm looking forward to receiving your questions.
God bless you
I like your beginning jokes. Thank you for sharing. Great video.
Thanks. Some people think the jokes are dopey, but they do release the pleasure chemical "dopamine" in the brain.
Thank you so much for confirming what I thought was the answer to my severe anxiety. I have started exercising & already noticing a difference. Still early stages. Will keep you posted on how I go 👍
Thank you!
This explains why cardio and walking feels like it’s healing me from anxiety. Thank you for what you do.
Hi Maria, are you still doing well with exercise?
I love your videos I find them really helpful! Thanks!
You are welcome. I also wanted to let you know about a crowdfunding site that I have started to help me fund my videos and websites. Please feel no obligation to contribute, but if you would like to take a look, here is the website.
www.patreon.com/douglasbloch
Thank you, Douglas. Great video, and your calm demeanor is perfect for your audience. You mentioned you dealt with depression in the past. You are the type of person I like to hear feedback from. A lot of doctors only know about depression and anxiety through what they read in a book. They kind of get it, but they also don't.
Yes, I have dealt with depression many times and have had a number of depressive episodes, some of which were quite serious. So you can say that I know about depression through being in the trenches.
Like your vids very straight to the point gives me hope thanks.
Thank you.
Thank you. YES, exercise really works. I've had daily severe anxiety for over 45 years [now 65]. I hadn't done any exercise for 3 years because of health, family dramas etc. [Just the time when I SHOULD have exercised, but didn't have the physical or mental 'get-up-and-go']. I could barely take a shower, much less prepare a meal! Three days ago, I went for a walk. I set 'some' goals. If I can get up this small hill - that will do for today. Then, when I reached the top, it was down hill to the Marina - that will do for today. Then I just kept walking [albeit slow]. I walked 6 km. When I got home I thought I would be exhausted, BUT felt so good [and pleased with myself!], I did some basic chores, that I had felt too immobilized to do previously. Brisk walking had worked for me before, so now I'll gradually build up to a brisk pace, with some heavy breathing and [obviously] some sweat! Pat, Australia. [And also smoke and drink!]
Thank you ❣️
Excellent video. You have to burn them off! Great point.
Wow this video made the whole difference!!
I'm glad it was helpful
Great video
Thank you so much
You are welcome
When I was in college I would take a long walk every afternoon. It was always beneficial, giving me a safe way to deal with over-anxious feelings. Later in life I found out that many others were.feeling on edge much of the time. The difference was that they would drink alcohol or smoke weed.
I was just diagnosed with anxiety and PTSD. I just came across this video, and everything you have said makes so much sense to me. Exercising has helped tremendously!! Thank you!
Love your joke's aswell as your channel Douglas, looking forwards to you next live session on Wednesday!!
Thanks. At 11 am Pacific Coast time. What was the joke I told intros video?
Douglas Bloch; another trying day said the lawyer. Ha..ha.!
Thank you so much. I'm really struggling.
Keep persevering and remember these words, "this too shall pass."
This gives me hope to listen to, I used to be VERY active before 2020 with zero panic attacks and after the pandemic started, my anxiety went 📈 and I have panic attacks on the daily, not racing heart ones but dissociating ones and I’ve been terrified to exercise, even walking to my mail box I’ve been terrified, I’m a firm believer in diet and exercise but there’s just this mental wall up that’s making me scared to even try to exercise
I think if you saw a good counselor you would be able to get over your fear and get back into exercise. When we can’t overcome our problems alone it’s best to call in the help of one or more people
it's so hard to just get going. Once an avid exerciser, have now become so stuck and sedentary. Miss the way my body looked and felt but am having trouble pinpointing my "why". Seems I don't feel enough and just so exhausted from stressors out of own control. Thank you for altruism.
You are welcome
This has been my experience too!! I have GAD and panic disorder as well. I was on Lexapro and Klonopin PRN since 2020. That is also when I started running “for my life” as you said. 3 years and a half marathon later, I got cleared to start tapering down. It has been 2 weeks since I started and in that time frame I can feel my anxiety getting trapped in my body throughout the day, then at 5pm when I get moving- my heart rate goes up and at first it’s a very uncomfortable feeling as my body feels like it’s getting MORE anxious, then POOF about halfway through and on the cool down, it all melts away and I am calm and perfectly relaxed throughout the evening.
thank you kind sir... i was scared of exercising after tons of atacks for months, my teacher told me it helped to exercise to release toxins from our body, but thanks for reassuring us of how to follow up on that shitty disease, i gained a lot of weight from that but now i'll go back to exercising, thanks
You are welcome.
I'm currently experiencing a severe relapse of anxiety and depersonalization. The first time I ever had a panic attack, it was attributed to poor lifestyle choices, including inadequate exercise and diet. The most challenging aspect for me right now is maintaining persistence and willpower. As you so eloquently describe in this video, I am fully aware that exercise is beneficial for me. I've experienced complete recovery in the past, but my struggle lies in maintaining consistency.
It's evident that exercise positively impacts my mental well-being, and I've even achieved complete recovery before. The issue arises when, during those moments of recovery, I neglect to sustain my exercise routine. Consequently, I find myself in relapses like the current one. On day three of this relapse, the challenge is real, but I am pushing through. The endorphin rush after a workout, run, or bike ride is truly amazing. I've felt about 90% better already in these past few days, albeit temporarily.
I understand that the healing process is not instantaneous, and it's difficult to stay committed during setbacks. Despite the slipbacks, I've been finding solace in the knowledge that 'this too will pass.' Your videos serve as a beacon of motivation for me, and I appreciate your words of encouragement. Thank you for being a source of inspiration during challenging times.
Yes!!! It works!! The hard part is getting started, lacing up my shoes... getting out the door & down the street. But when I do. Huge difference!!! It’s natural Prozac!
And it heals depression too, I can assure you it alleviates depression symptoms by a great extent, at least it worked for me, I was running 20-30 mn everyday, although it takes time, you will see results after a few weeks. Plus it restores your self-confidence and hope. Running and sophrology/relaxation saved me. Antidepressants gave me mild HPPD condition, I couldn't take them, for the best I think. Unfortunately I had a pneumothorax 2 weeks ago, I fear my lung collapses again because it can happen, but I can't run anymore for at least 3 months, time to apply Douglas tips and work on negative/intrusive thoughts...
Thanks
Great video Douglas , started doing 2 hours walks a day. I actually had an endorphin rush late on in the walk. Swimming does help too, but i think walking in nature is unbeatable . The sun helps a lot. Today is a great feeling day
Thanks Douglas
The sun is Gods gift to us
You hit the proverbial nail on the head Douglas! The only thing to aid me in my depression and anxiety is walking fast with my wee dog, Mollie and my other dogs who sadly passed away a few months ago. Dealing with the major loss of my furry babies has left me heartbroken, despondent and at my lowest. I walk my emotional pain away each morning and would highly recommend some form of exercise to all. Warmest regards from a chilly Scotland 😉
I hope that you still have Molly to walk with. Look forward to your participating in the next live chat on Wednesday at 11 am Pacific Coast Time. (7 pm Scotland time, I believe).
Walking fast is the only thing that works for me. If I exercise I go into absolute meltdown a few hours later. I have tried regular exercise and it just leads to regular loss of mind , regular panick attacks and regular emotional distress I turn into a crybaby lol only briefly but over nothing and for no purpose. Have you had experiences like this? I have also become a hermit I find it impossible to socialize have a relationship and hard to not overreact to everything they diagnosed me with gad and paranoia but I feel the paranoia is a subsidiary of gad just very intense fight or flight I am waiting on cognitive therapy but I was diagnosed incorrectly for at least 17 years.
You're definitely intelligent nice and you really give thought into every video!
Thanks. I try to do my best
Having my struggles for almost a decade.. I find cycling as my relief whenever I feel very anxious or depressed.. Exercise really helped me..
The like dislike ratio is proof of the good you are doing Douglas Bloch
You deserve a millon veiws sir
Thanks for your kind words
He is awsome.. I wish he was my therapist..
I’m glad you find this video is helpful
Literally sat and stared at my Ativan medication.. good 10ms in and told my self... Just run outside for a while... (I sprinted because my lil bro ran away with my keys yesterday and I chased him down and let me tell you I felt amazing in that short sprint.) So I'm using that small basis on a bigger scale and sticking to a workout regimen... Primarily walk/jog
Excellent decision
Please talk more about the importance of the diet. I like your videos thank you.
On November 12, 2018 I’m going to upload a video on the relationship between gut health and brain health where I will talk about diet.
Realaxin the body’s muscles they really do heal the depression and all psychological disorders
Thank you so much for this video. I have been suffering from anxiety and panic attacks for about 3-4 years now off and on....what i just realized now is that i havent been on a regular exercise program for around 5 years now ...this made me go WOW! that could be one of the reasons! thank you
The regular exercise should help. Let me know how it works.
i started swimming this morning and i have been very calm since then...I will do my best to implement exercise on a daily basis. It's funny bc i used to always be very active and then i just stopped..I eat very well but maybe the exercise portion is what i am lacking ...i tend to have lots of energy
Oh my god you made me remember what I wanted to forget, Zoloft side effects...
I can relate to your writing income. Great passion. Lousy pay.
I just watched your CZcams, so awesome. Thank you . Just having this shakes inside of my body not outside, is inside. And makes me anxiety nervousness bad. D Middle of the night were driving just to calm me down. I do not know what’s going on inside of me, blood tests are good. But feeling off. Feels squeeze my whole being. I have been doing exercises for last 10yr after this covid I stopped .. then this is what I get , struggling mostly night time. Hope I can hear from you . God speed.
I hope you can find a good therapist to work with who specializes in anxiety and maybe even see a sleep doctor. There is a way that you can experience healing
@@DouglasBloch thank you so much for quick reply. Your so good. I may find here but for time being Financially not pretty good for now. I continually walking daily, and started my daily exercise, eat good food lessen meat and surrendering to God. God speed.
I have had very bad anxiety attacks, depression, and some unwanted suicidal thoughts and exercise practically reversed it all. I felt even cocky in social situations. Unfortunately I worked out 1+ hr a day 6 days a week and it lead to some muscle strains and I havent exercised since and my anxiety has gone right downhill will my weight too
Exercise is helping a lot.
Our bodies are designed to be active everyday.
Hi Dr.Douglas, thankyou so much for the videoo, may I also ask whether there is a online Q & A or similar like that
thanks for the video douglas, when is the upcoming live webinar by chance?
I'm new just started getting anxiety attacks i will do anything to learn how to control this.
You might want to look at a video I made called "how to rewire your anxious brain."
Weight lifting recently saved me, i'll do it to exhaustion every day if i have to. I feel high as a kite afterwards because the anxiety is gone. Makes me want to cry lol.
Facts, my first savior and love was the gym/training
I have been having my anxiety come back after several years. During those years i would bike walk and weight lift. Didn’t have any anxiety really. Well this last year my anxiety has been very bad and I haven’t been doing any working out. Well the couple of weeks I have been waking up with my heart racing and feeling very nervous. Well this morning I woke up my heart starting thumping out of my chest because I felt so nervous, I almost called an ambulance. Instead my wife suggested we go for a walk before that. I went on a 30 min walk and now I am sitting her completely calm and feel better. Please just exercise even just a nice brisk walk just do it. Find the time I think it will save your life. I am at this point going to get back into working out I’m done over working and over worrying.
Totally agree douglas i practice yoga this form of movement does make me feel less anxious i go on long walks i also am a constuction worker to everyone with these probs like myself move always moove. Cliff australia. Thanks again doug
You’re welcome. We are in Australia do you live? Have you ever been on one of my live chats? Would you be you interested in learning about my long-distance mental health coaching program?
Douglas Bloch yes i would doug
Douglas Bloch doug i live sydney
Two of my other clients live in Sydney and one lives an hour away. You folks should get together
Here is the link to my program. Please let me know if you have any questions. It would be good to work with you. healingfromdepression.com/mental-health-coaching/
Movement and smiling about good things help
swimming for winning, helps with sleep and breathing
Important addition..
head and body massage with oil and stretching of toes .
Praise nad meditation of God
ok, I will give it a try. When I wake up in the middle of the night I'm gonna get on my bike and take off. Wish me luck
I hope you have a good bike light
I love every person in this comment section
Back years ago my first anxiety attack occurred due to drug use. I immediately stopped, but it became so bad I wanted to die. Meds pulled me out of SI, but a daily walking routine is what actually fixed the issue. I didn't have an anxiety attack for three years until my depression became that bad again through other reasons, and then I stopped walking/lifting, and ate like crap, gained a bunch of weight and was back in the same problem.. anxiety attacks daily. It makes me feel as if we're not meant to be sedentary like that at all, and if we do so, our brain goes a little haywire.
Yes, we do need to move