There are few images that better symbolize daily life in contemporary America than a seated individual. Most of us sit at work, sit during our leisure activities, and sit when we travel. The technological advances and material abundance that began in the twentieth century have translated into a lifestyle of unprecedented inactivity. The problem is that our physical evolution doesn't keep pace with our social evolution. The human body evolved in a physically exacting environment, so even though it may no longer be necessary for survival, we are prewired to be active. Inactivity takes a steep toll on physical and mental well-being. It is a contributing factor in obesity, hypertension, depression, and, yes, anxiety.
When anxiety hits, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode. That means that your sympathetic nervous system is activated and a surge of adrenaline is released. The message your body gets is Get ready to move fast! Remaining inactive in the face of this state of activation usually intensifies your symptoms.Exercise is a natural outlet for anxiety. When you become physically active the minute your anxiety symptoms begin, you satisfy your body's need to act and tell your mind that the danger has passed and it can turn off the alarm signals. If anxiety takes hold in a place where you cannot move easily, like in a grocery store line or while driving in traffic, make a promise to yourself to get active as soon as possible.
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