If you know you, you know I am an anxious girl.  Social situations, pressure at work, and general over analysis of my everyday interactions with the world are some of my triggers.  That being said, I do not feel that I have an actual anxiety disorder, well at least not one that prevents me from living a seemingly normal life.  Let’s just also say that I have yet to pay the money to visit a psychologist or psychiatrist that could formally diagnose me.

In 2012 I was going through some situations in my personal life that surely heightened my anxiety levels.  That year I really began to push harder in my workouts and it was also the year I “formally” started running.  Soon I began to feel the urge to exercise as soon as the rapid heart rate and semi-stomach aches began (those are my typical physical responses when I am overly anxious).

Just like anyone else, the stressors and the magnitude of the pressure my life is putting on me changes through the months.  Most average weeks I run or lift weights at least 3-4 times per week.  When my anxiety is spiking, 5-6 or even 7 workouts through the week almost feel necessary.

Of course all of this exercise as a remedy for anxiety has to go hand in hand with a solid sleep schedule.  I’ve had seasons in the past where I was pushing myself too far to work all day, do my mom duties, bake and sell cookies, and workout once or twice per day.  You can bet the amount of time I was sleeping decreased and well, I pretty much remained an anxious mess (but presented myself as stable in public) all the time.

Do you struggle with anxiety?  Besides medications, what helps you?