By Ronnie Freedman, Ph.D.

Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional, and mental states.  ~Carol Welch

Feelings of anxiety and/or depersonalization often leave one feeling drained, both mentally and physically. This may lead to avoidance of outdoor activity in favor of spending more time brooding indoors. One begins to avoid any and all activities outside the home, due to the fear of worsening symptoms or the misconception of safety within the home. Nothing could be further from the truth! One takes their safety zone with them wherever they go,  once they have learned to understand what this really consists of, and how to properly enforce it.

Once this is clearly understood, it is time to break the habit of introspection and avoidance of healthful and moderate activity. The cycle of worry, fear and self-doubt is fueled by isolation. Being alone with one thoughts feeds the fear.  This is why it is more favorable to learn how to break out of this behavior and move forward. It is essential to learn how to forge past inaction with the use of the proper tools. By doing so with a sense of comfort and ease, one is able to re-enter the world with a clear mind and strong body.

The idea of exercise is not always embraced by those riddled with strong feelings of anxiety and depersonalization. They may feel weak, drained and unmotivated to take that first step back into normal living. This does not matter. Nothing matters except getting out that door and being in oxygen again. Forget about one’s notion of  “exercise” and the what it denotes. This is not about rigid exercise, equipment, and teams. This merely includes walking down your street or road, without the encumbrance of worried thought. It’s simple, healing and leads to the clear and peaceful mind/body of recovery.

Requirements:
Rise in the morning.
Turn off the habit of rumination by rising immediately.
Put on comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
Eat light.
Step outdoors,  but not before you leave that worried mind behind.

Movement and activity increases circulation, builds a body and most of all clears the cobwebs of a cluttered mind. One learns to overturn the habit of introspection while they reinforce positive behaviors. One builds physical and emotional muscle as inner strength improves. A strong body leads to a stronger mind as one begins to realize just how good they feel when they immerse themselves into even the slightest amount of activity.

Equipment is not required to achieve a sense of vitality. Any activity that takes your mind off yourself and into a more focused place, will result into a noticeable rejuvenation. You are allowing your mind to refresh, and this is where clarity resides.

Studies show the greatest benefits occur by merely walking 20 minutes daily:

1. Moods improve while participating in any outdoor activity. Serotonin, the “feel good” chemical, is released in the brain while doing any outdoor activity. Just being outdoors is brighter than any indoor lighting, even on cloudy days, which boosts your mood and sense of well-being.

2. Activity helps one think clearly and more so when being outdoors in oxygen.

3. Energy levels increase while doing any outside activity and this is a strong payoff.

4. Consider the following activities for your health and enjoyment:

– Gardening
– Biking
– Walking
– Swimming
– Tossing a ball with kids or pets.

5. When you are immersed in an activity, your focus is removed from an unproductive worry pattern and placed into a behavior that allows the mind to refresh, mainly because you are allowing it a very necessary break from constant worry and fear.

Make the decision to step outdoors, regardless of weather, and place one foot in front of the other. This mere act of  daily walking will become addictive in the best way possible. Without the encumbrance of a worried mind, which by active choice, you will leave behind, you are  making the most responsible decision for your own recovery. This could be one of the best decisions you have ever made, concerning your road out of anxiety and depersonalization. This, along with the process of “retraining the brain,” through specific mind exercises and using the food plan to create a less reactive mind and body, is your path out of anxiety and depersonalization. This is your choice alone,  and making this vital decision could be your step out of anxious living and back into fulfillment and happiness.

Have a wonderful day!

Dr. Ronnie Freedman
Anxiety and Depersonalization Program Packages and Counseling
http://www.anxietybusters.com
Office Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Eastern Time
Office Telephone: 215-635-4700
Order Line: 1-800-670-HOPE
info@anxietybusters.com