Exercise and anxiety

[Sandy1710]

I am really really pushing myself right now and cycling about 5 miles a day. It’s so hard the whole time I am fixated on my heart and when I sweat and get out of breathe just associate it with a heart attack I’m trying to beat this but it ain’t going anywhere. During and after I am so anxious about what’s happening in my chest/heart. I know this could be an wrgyemebt for a very strong heart but the other day i randomly checked my vitals and my resting rate was 53 and the blood pressure was lmarojnd 115/75. I should be happy with these right? Wrong I’m worrying they’re too low. I’ve only been exercising 3 weeks surely it can’t have made it that much stronger already. I just don’t know what to do anymore I’m trying everything. If I don’t exercise I’ll continue to get fatter and then that will be another thing to increase my depression. Stressed to the max! Anyone found that exercise is harder before it gets easier mentally???

[Beevee]

Sandy. Stop focussing on your heart rate and learn to enjoy the ride instead. Clearly you are living in fear that you will keel over but if you have received a clean bill of health, stop self-checking and focus on the great outdoors. It is your fear that is keeping you stressed out and feeding your anxiety. Let go of the fearful thoughts and feelings and they will disappear. Just don't let go of the handle bars 😗

[Beevee]

One more thing. Whilst exercise is great for your general wellbeing and heartily recommend it, it only provides temporary relief of the symtoms because you use up all that stored anxious energy, only for it to return. Permanent relief requires a change in attitude towards the symptoms you fear which I've covered in previous posts which you may find helpful. Lose your fear of them and they will disappear.