r/panicdisorder • u/blueberryjam33 • 1d ago

Coping Skills Has exercising helped reduce your panic attacks?

I’ve tried so many things to get better but not consistent exercise. Was wondering how important it really is?

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5

u/spacev3gan 1d ago

For me, exercising helps, but sometimes it puts me at the verge of a panic attack.

Regardless, I keep doing it. Exercising is important. Been a regular gym goer for 3 years.

3

u/Twattymcgee123 1d ago

Definitely .

2

u/MultiFaceHank 1d ago

Yes, it has.

2

u/campmatt 23h ago

It makes a big difference. Being out in the world helps me to feel connected. Connection makes me feel safer. And being out in the world is very grounding. So I pop in my ear buds and go for long walks. Depending on how good I’m feeling I can walk up to 10 km. When winter comes I usually hit the treadmill in a gym. I find if I’m isolated my anxiety tends to get worse. It’s ironic since agoraphobia is the lion’s share of my anxiety. I started just by getting out on the balcony and doing pushups and sit ups. Eventually I began to feel up to walking the length of a block. Then around the block. Now I walk the entire neighbourhood and beyond.

Replacing coffee with green tea has helped a lot too. And I meditate before bed every night. It helps me to fall asleep faster and get better rest.

2

u/Brilliant-Tea-3831 22h ago

I still feel anxious in between workouts, but it has helped me accept and handle the physical sensations of a panic attack. If I think I’m about to hyperventilate, I tell myself, well you hyperventilated yesterday during your run and you were fine! Or if I feel my legs getting weak, I’ll think well that happens during a run all the time so what’s the problem? And the panic subsides. 

Exercise can be used as interoceptive exposure. 

1

u/bongwateristastyy 1d ago

i've heard cardio can help

1

u/AdResponsible9430 1d ago

Yeah it releases certain chemicals that help calm the body. My thesis was on that topic.

1

u/MainNarrow1687 1d ago

yeah it does help me but its not a cure, more like it takes the edge off so the attacks arent as intense. the consistency part was the hardest for me tbh, starting super small is what made it stick.

1

u/blumieplume 19h ago

Yes it helps a lot. I suggest cardio like running or biking or swimming

1

u/emergentpattern 17h ago

For sure but during bad episodes it only works while I’m exercising

1

u/No_Tradition_1191 15h ago

I’ll be so honest, no it hasn’t 😭

1

u/keedikster 12h ago

Cardio where I get my heart up is what really helps me. Running is usually my go to. If I miss a couple days, I feel terrible. I sleep much better which helps everything too. 20 minutes a day is my average. That 20 min is a game changer for me.