Source
r/Anxiety•
dnbVice

Exercising worsen my anxiety by a lot.

Been three years since i got hospitalized with a severe anxiety attack. Had a rough 2 years after that with lots of panic/anxiety attacks. Hyperventilation too.

I have it somewhat under control this last year. My doctor always said exercising would help my anxiety. I'm a little overweight as well and decided to start exercising.

But whenever i start exercising my stress response goes through the roof afterwards and I feel anxious for hours after exercising with elevated hear rate and tightness in my chest.

My heart has been tested and was fine. But I have an issue that i get anxious whenever i can feel my heart beat. So exercising is making it worse..

Is it something i'll have to power through or any other ideas?

Posted Apr 1, 2019, 9:09 PM UTC

13
toodlesmcghee•

Try yoga or walking outside in the sun. You don’t have to have a massive elevated heart rate to get the anxiety diminishing effects of exercise. Even stretching can help. Also you are most likely overthinking the exercise piece do to your past experience with the heart and anxiety. Take it easy on yourself and get some fresh air.

1
PurplePresser•

Yeah I’ve had somewhat of the same as you where when I’ll start running, for example, my heart rate shoots up my vision goes weird and it feels like a panic attack.

I’d say the move is to not start with really intense working out. Maybe just go on a walk at a brisk pace. When you feel fine doing that, bring it up to a jog. Baby steps is the key, don’t push yourself to the point where the exercise is causing more stress than good.

Another help I’ve found is to listen to a podcast while exercising. When I’m listening to music I kind of just blank out and then start to get in my own head a bit. However, if I’m listening to a podcast I’m really engaged in I’m listening to a conversation and feel a bit less stressed.

Hope it goes well for you!

1
newbieforever2016Adopt a Shelter Dog•

Perhaps try something like an exercise bike so that you can vary the speed to allow for a heart rate that you feel comfortable with. Of course headphones and music that you enjoy listening to are a must have accessory.

1