What to know about exercises for anxiety

From the Medical News Today website

Exercises for anxiety relief may help a person manage certain anxiety symptoms, such as muscle tension, increased heart rate, and rapid breathing. Breathing exercises help foster deep, even breaths that promote diaphragmatic breathing. These exercises may reduce anxiety and help a person relax by restoring a typical breathing pattern.

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health problems in the United States, affecting about 40 million individuals. Although doctors can successfully treat these conditions, only 4 in 10 people with anxiety seek treatment.

Anxiety can trigger a cascade of stress hormones during the so-called fight-or-flight response. During a panic or anxiety attack, people may take rapid, shallow breaths, affecting the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide. A person may also experience a pounding heartbeat and feelings of impending doom, contributing to more anxiety.

This article looks at anxiety reduction exercises and how they may help individuals cope.