Buzz
The world hasn't been particularly easy on us lately (though you might say it's never really been). With the economy, climate challenges, and the looming political landscape over the next few years—not to mention the constant grind of just getting through life—we could all really use a bit of stress relief. That’s why it’s time to stand up and take a walk right after you finish reading this.
I’m not saying that exercise is the one-size-fits-all solution for mental health, but it’s certainly a healthier alternative to other coping mechanisms like drinking, doomscrolling, or crying in the shower. (Reductress put it quite well: “Woman Who Says Exercise Is Like Therapy Must Have Some Pretty Light Trauma.”)
If you’re dealing with really tough challenges right now, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. There are plenty of resources available, even if your insurance coverage isn’t ideal. We also offer a guide on how to ease panic and anxiety, including a video that can be helpful during a panic attack.
Exercise can be incredibly helpful for both your mental and physical well-being, offering an array of benefits for your body and mind.
When you're feeling overwhelmed, exercising provides two significant benefits. First, it has the potential to improve the rest of your day and contribute to your long-term health. Physical activity helps burn off excess nervous energy, calms the mind, and improves sleep quality. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, those who engage in regular exercise are less likely to suffer from anxiety or depression, possibly because it enhances our ability to manage stress.
While exercise is not a one-size-fits-all solution and may not always offer mental health benefits for everyone, it’s still an important part of taking care of your physical health. This, in turn, supports your overall well-being—even if it doesn't always produce an immediate mental health boost.
An equally important reason to exercise is that it provides a sense of purpose and activity. When I go for a run, I disconnect from my phone and fully commit to moving forward—one step at a time—without any distractions.
The highlight of your day is something worth looking forward to, bringing value and a sense of achievement.
In the fall of 2020, I came across an essay discussing the joys and mental health benefits of walking. Initially, I just glanced through it, but two lines resonated with me deeply. Those words lingered in my mind every time I went for a walk, jogged, or chose to lift weights in my garage as the world seemed to unravel around me. The writer, Sarah Miller, reflected on using her elliptical to manage depression:
While I was exercising, it did make me feel less depressed, but once I stopped, the sadness returned. I shared this with my friend, and he simply shrugged, replying, 'Just keep doing it. That's one whole hour you're not feeling depressed.'
This felt like a fair deal. How much would I be willing to pay, in the midst of anxiety, for a full hour of not feeling anxious? Or even just being a little less anxious? Walking had always seemed like a time drain to me, even though I recognized its benefits, but now, I started to view it through a different perspective.
I first skimmed that essay in September 2020. According to Apple Health, which tracks my steps whenever my phone is in my pocket, I doubled my usual daily step count that month, increasing from a summer average of around 3,000 steps to nearly 7,000. The next month, I walked even more.
By early November, as we anxiously awaited the election results, I fully embraced my new coping strategy. Between November 3rd and 13th, every single day I exceeded 11,000 steps. I learned that Biden had won while walking one of my favorite trails. I originally wrote this article you're reading on January 7—the day after that January 6.
That moment occurred around four years ago, yet the lesson still holds true today. These days, I find myself running more often than walking, and at times, I've opted for an indoor spin bike instead of any outdoor workout. The details change, but the core idea stays the same. During stressful periods, I notice the amount of exercise I do tends to increase. I’ve coined it as my 'anxiety cardio.' This brings me to the other key takeaway from Miller’s essay, the realization she had while extending her own walk:
The two walking routes crossed paths — it’s a small town — and one day, while doing the first walk, I realized I could just add the second one and keep walking longer. It felt like I was discovering something monumental. I could actually take the best part of my day and make it last twice as long?
You can, indeed you can. If running, walking, or following dance routines from YouTube is part of your mental wellness routine, you can always do more of it. (While doubling your running distance might not be the best idea from a physical standpoint, most of us can handle an extra long walk or yoga session. Just choose wisely.)
What you do on your walk, run, or other exercise is entirely up to you. I personally enjoy hiking or running through nature, but my neighborhood streets are much closer and more convenient. I select the calmest streets and take a loop. Occasionally, I listen to podcasts or music, picking the right sound depending on whether I want to escape my thoughts or reflect on them.
If you're feeling low, anxious, or unsure of what to do, I highly suggest getting up and doing whatever form of exercise feels right for you. The best part of your day is waiting for you.
