Anxious Millennials Are Turning To Exercise For Relief. But How Effective Is It?

Alex McCarthy on Unsplash" />Woman running during sunsetMillennials prioritise exercise more than any other generation in the UK – and almost a fifth admit they do it to alleviate anxiety.That’s according to new research from YouGov, on behalf of lifestyle hospitality brand The Social Hub, which revealed almost one in five (19%) millennials work from home just to ensure they can fit workouts into their day.Around one in 10 of us will be living with an anxiety disorder at any one time, according to Mental Health UK, which equates to roughly eight million people. So, does exercise really help to alleviate anxiety?In short: yes. Studies have noted links between exercise and reduced anxiety levels.One study looked into whether a 12-week exercise intervention could reduce anxiety symptoms in those with anxiety disorders and found “large improvements” in the groups that did exercise. John J Ratey, an associate clinical professor at Harvard Medical School, said: “As a psychiatrist who studies the effects of exercise on the brain, I’ve not only seen the science, I’ve witnessed firsthand how physical activity affects my patients.“Research shows aerobic exercise is especially helpful. A simple bike ride, dance class, or even a brisk walk can be a powerful tool for those suffering from chronic anxiety.“Activities like these also help people who are feeling overly nervous and anxious about an upcoming test, a big presentation, or an important meeting.”‘Fitness is now a non-negotiable’The Social Hub offers support for members’ wellbeing through on-site fitness, mental health resources, and nutritious food options. Tasha Young, chief membership officer at The Social Hub, said: “We see how people’s needs are changing: fitness is now a non-negotiable and it happens every hour of the day.“Rather than just being for physical health, it’s about mental health too. No one should have to compromise between work, exercising, and supporting their headspace. ”How to start exercising to help your anxietyRatey advises the following steps:Choose something enjoyable so you will do it repeatedly, building resilienceWork towards getting your heart rate upWork out with a friend or in a group to reap the added benefit of social supportIf possible, exercise in nature or green spaces, which further lowers stress and anxiety.Help and support:Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email [email protected] Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.Related...Walking Fast For This Amount Of Time Each Day Could Help You Live LongerI Was Stuck In A Fitness Rut – Until I Discovered the 'Tripod' RuleHow Birds Can Help Your Mental Health (You Won't Even Have To Leave The House)

Comments

Breaking news

Parents and kids are using ChatGPT for schoolwork – is AI raising a generation of ‘tech-reliant empty heads’?

Metro

Yungblud tearfully reveals the late Ozzy Osbourne 'meant everything to him' and admits the Black Sabbath star's death has been 'overwhelming'

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

Jessie J shares heartbreaking moment she 'sobbed' over her scars after undergoing surgery for breast cancer as she reveals son Sky has been 'the light of her life' during health battle

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

Body of man missing for 28 years is found buried inside melting glacier

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

From Seann Walsh's Strictly smooch snaps to Kristen Stewart's steamy betrayal in Ultra HD... which stars' extracurricular kisses were caught on camera

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

The grim reality of life on a newbuild estate: Builder warns homes are 'diabolical' after posting pics of endless identikit fenced-off back gardens

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

Emmerdale fans only just realising that chart-topping singer starred on soap before rising to global fame

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

I'm a psychotherapist, this is the scientific reason why pampered celebrities like glamorous millionaire Molly-Mae Hague are NEVER happy... they're addicted to moaning

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

The ludicrous health claims celebrities WISH they could RETRACT

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

You're using your dishwasher WRONG! Experts reveal the surprising items you should never put in there - including wooden spoons

about 3 hours ago

Inside Disneyland when it first opened 70 years ago - and tickets only cost £9

Dailymail

Comments

Similar News

Victims feeling exhausted and anxious about wrangling over Epstein files

Fiona Phillips' husband Martin Frizell shares heartbreaking update on her Alzheimer's battle - admitting new hurdle has left her 'anxious, frustrated and frightened'

New Mom Anxious To Let Cat Play With Baby—Not Expecting What She Captures

I'm a clinical hypnotherapist, this is why so many people are too anxious to enjoy their holiday - and how I help them

Millennial Mom Anxious About Baby's Sleep—Then Finds Her 1993 Crib Video

New Owner Anxious About Rescue Dog on Road Trip—Then Checks the Back Seat

Pilot reveals best time to travel if you're an anxious flyer - and which seat to book

How Barack and Michelle Obama were 'awkward' and 'anxious' during frank discussion about divorce rumors

Breaking news

Parents and kids are using ChatGPT for schoolwork – is AI raising a generation of ‘tech-reliant empty heads’?

Putin's Army Is Still Taking Large Chunks Of Ukraine's Land, UK Says

4 Ways To Make Your Daily Walk More Effective

Kemi Badenoch throws down gauntlet to Keir Starmer and demands no stealth taxes on Brits

Man in his 50s killed after being hit by pickup truck as boy, 14, among four teenagers arrested over ‘drug driving’

Explosion at Lebanese arms depot kills 6 army experts, wounds several others

3 elves are cycling from the German town of St. Nikolaus to Finland's Santa Claus Village

Labour accepted £40k donations from criminal it kicked out of party

Major incident declared as huge fire rages on Dorset heath

Major supermarket issues urgent ‘do not eat’ warning for popular snack due to ‘health risk’

‘The Home Office is forcing me to leave the UK and a job I love to go to a country I’ve never called home’

Mapped: Where will temperatures soar in UK during fourth heatwave of the year?

Schools ‘facing disaster’ as one in 10 teachers set to quit in two years