Exercising has a direct link with lowered anxiety; here's how

We’ve always heard that exercising has a range of health benefits - better lungs, a stronger heart and higher fitness levels. And now, there’s a new reason to get off your couch and put on your work-out shoes. According to a recent study, moderate and strenuous exercise alleviate symptoms of anxiety, even when the disorder is chronic.

The research, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, included 286 patients with anxiety syndrome. Half of the patients had lived with anxiety for at least ten years. Their average age was 39 years and 70 per cent were women. The participants were assigned to different group exercise sessions for 12 weeks.

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The results showed that their anxiety symptoms were significantly alleviated. Most individuals in the treatment groups went from a baseline level of moderate to high anxiety to a low anxiety level after the 12-week program.

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