What are your experiences? Does exercise and physical activity reduce your anxious thinking?

I was asked this by a friend this morning. My own answer was 'no'.

I do not have a car. As a result I walk a lot and on occasion over long distances (like 90min plus). The frequency increases of course over the spring and summer months yet my anxiety doesn't improve. And... there was a time in my life where I was incredibly active yet this is actually the same period I experienced the greatest anxiety in my life.

[Unrigged64072835]

No. Sometimes it makes it worse.

[*Laurie*]

I try to get at least some exercise, walking or yoga, every day. I feel like doing so is important for my physical health. Does it help my anxiety? No, not when my anxiety is really bad. I do, however, feel somewhat more successful as a human being when I exercise.

yes, there is something to be said for that.

Walking, running----yes. But not if there is the goal of going somewhere. It has to be exercise for the sake of exercise.

Anything else just makes me anxious. The gym is totally out b/c I'd be anxious around all that noise and people behind me, etc.

[Kickers]

To a degree it does. Exercising tends to make me feel better which can push anxiety back a bit, or if I get to the point where I'm tired then I also feel less anxious too.

[Blue_Bird]

Exercising makes me feel in charge of my physical health and more confident. Plus it gets me out of the house and I can do it with friends and have fun while I'm doing it

[ConnerJ4]

Hey, I'm new here. I get anxiety and depression so bad but I don't know how to talk about it. Can anybody help me please?

I have a gym membership from 1995.

Exercising helps a whole lot.

[BurmesePython]

Like someone else said if its on purpose yes
I try to make myself take a walk every day if i just lay around i feel so useless and like theres no point in doing anything etc
If i get exercise via working all day or having to go somewhere it stresses me out
I really want to get into a real exercise schedule but feel stupid doing it

[sunnydisposition]

Nothing relaxes me more than a long run. Sometimes i feel I can run away my anxiety, the entire illness and completely eradicate it.

Also a couple of stretches after a run, it takes the relaxation to a whole another level. I'm on a hiatus for winters but its already getting sunny and warmer out here. I'll start running very soon.

[sunnydisposition]

Nothing relaxes me like a long run. Sometimes i feel I can run away my anxiety, the entire illness and completely eradicate it.

Also a couple of stretches after a run, it takes the relaxation to a whole another level. I'm on a hiatus for winters but its already getting sunny and warmer out here. I'll start running very soon.