Exercise Might Be the Answer to Your Mental Health Problems

If you have ever looked up social anxiety, you have most likely seen exercise as a 
recommendation. This isn’t just true of social phobias, but of all forms of anxiety. Here 
are some different things to know about exercising to help treat and manage your form 
of anxiety.

Benefits of Exercise

Before you start exercising for your anxiety, it helps to understand why it is so beneficial 
as a whole. Exercise is important for so many reasons, including physically, mentally, 
and emotionally. With regular exercise, you probably already know it helps with 
improving your heart health, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and boosting your 
metabolism. It also helps with everything from anxiety to depression, and reducing your 
stress levels.

This is thanks to the endorphins, or happy chemicals, in your brain that are released 
when you exercise. Suddenly you feel better emotionally and physically, are happier, 
and have a nice boost of energy for the day.

How it Helps With Social Anxiety

For social anxiety specifically, there are a few unique benefits you get from exercising. 
Here are some of the biggest advantages:

It gives you something to focus on while outside – When you start exercising 
outdoors, such as with hiking or going on runs, you are able to get out and be around 
other people, but without a lot of pressure. You aren’t as focused on everyone around 
you because you are more focused on the exercise at hand. It is a good way to 
transition into being around others more often.

You can make friends when exercising – If you decide to join a hiking group or 
exercise at the gym, it can be a good way to make friends. These will be people who 
are also exercising, who you are around while participating in likeminded activities. It is 
much easier to make friends as an adult when you both enjoy the same activities.

You feel more confident after working out – Exercising can also boost your 
confidence and self-esteem, which definitely benefits you if you have social anxiety.
 
Ways to Help it Benefit You More

If you really want to take advantage of the benefits that exercise can provide you, don’t 
just use the treadmill in your home. Get out there and use it as an opportunity to meet 
other people and start to feel more confident when in social situations.


