Dealing with Panic Attacks

We have all heard that exercise can help ease stress, but can it also be used as a treatment for dealing with panic attacks? Most people feel stress and anxiety at some point in their lives, but for millions of Americans suffering from panic attacks, these symptoms are more than just a normal reaction to a stressful situation. Characterized by sudden feelings of irrational and often overwhelming fear, panic attacks can interfere with a person’s ability to live normally and face their responsibilities.

If you want to know how to deal with panic attacks and this sounds familiar, take heed before racing to the doctor for a quick fix in the form of medication. There are natural steps you can take immediately to ease the effects of anxiety symptoms without risking potentially harmful side effects and outrageous costs.

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One such method becoming widely heralded in dealing with panic attacks is exercise. In a study performed by the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, over 70% of people suffering from an anxiety related disorder reported that regular cardiovascular exercise helped to ease their symptoms, with 40% of them noting a “significant” reduction in symptoms. This study, in which participants exercised 30-60 minutes each day, merely confirmed what many panic attack sufferers already knew: there is a strong link between exercise and the alleviation of panic symptoms, and by incorporating physical activity into your daily routine you will feel considerably healthier, both physically and mentally.

The Relationship between Exercise and Anxiety

Physical activity causes the brain to release endorphins, a chemical that acts like a natural pain killer, which makes your body feel more energized and your mind more relaxed and calm. Runners often call this sensation a “runner’s high” for the natural euphoria it creates. Not only is exercise a natural distraction from troubling thoughts and feelings, the chemical change it produces can remain long after the workout has concluded. This long term effect can be very beneficial in dealing with panic attacks.

Exercise can also help to promote sleep which is so important for combating panic attacks. Patients who get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night regularly notice a significant reduction in symptoms as compared to those who have trouble sleeping.

Many studies have shown a direct link between exercise and the temporary alleviation of anxiety-related symptoms. A brisk walk, for example, can help to immediately elevate your mood, making you feel calmer and more confident, much like an aspirin can ease a headache. But recently, researchers are discovering that exercise can also prevent conditions such as anxiety, panic and depression. In one such study, experts found that those who exercise at least one hour a day are 25% less likely to develop panic-related symptoms.

Exercise is not the only solution for dealing with panic attacks, but it can help you to manage the symptoms more effectively. Anxiety produces unwanted energy which directly affects the rest of the body. Symptoms such as trembling, shortness of breath, fatigue and sweating are all typical responses to anxiety and panic which can be controlled somewhat with exercise. So before you head to the nearest pharmacist, consider all the advantages of exercise—it’s safe, fast, cheap and effective. You alone can take control of your panic disorder, and the solution you’re looking for might be as close as the nearest gym.

CLICK HERE To Learn How To Deal With Panic Attacks