Dealing with anxiety through exercise and movement

written by:  Jennifer Tofaeono, Executive Director
There are only so many hours in a day. We find ourselves going to work, or school. We return home to clean and take care of our family members.  We pay our bills as best as we can, but when we are overwhelmed from the daily challenges, this increases nervousness, and life can become stressful. We may have a difficult time controlling our anger. Particularly if you are feeling overwhelmed.  Anxiety can activate feelings or responses that cause types of violence and aggression. 
One coping mechanism to build resilience is exercise. It is a great way to care for your body, while improving both your physical and mental health ​Research has shown how the brain releases chemicals to help us better manage stress and anxiety through exercise.  Some ideas to move, is to take a walk.  If you are in Tafuna you can use the Office of Motor Vehicle (OMVW) paved track to walk or use the Tafuna sidewalks.  Walking with friends helps to make it fun.  You can catch up on news, stay connected, while increasing your energy and mood.  You can join a fitness group, like SSY (Slimmer Stronger You) that helps to change mindsets to lose weight and improve cardiovascular fitness through exercise.  I find myself getting stronger, and the camaraderie, support we provide to each other as we sweat it out  makes me feel connected.  I feel good.  I have found a great support group, and gained knowledge thru tips to improve health. 
Every month we write about resilience, with the purpose to provide tips and coping mechanisms to stay well and decrease anxiety.  These times people are finding it hard to manage feelings of anxiety or emotional distress.  It is important that we remind our community how to cope with stressful situations to nurture resilience.  Knowing  your values, what is important to you, or your purpose help individuals to persist in the face of setbacks.  Surrounding yourself with good social support by building quality relationships, reminds us we are not alone.  We can lean on others as we deal with difficult situations.  Flexibility through crisis, is why coping skills are crucial,  to maintaining resilience. 
When you exercise it helps with anxiety and sleep.  I have difficult mornings or days when I do not want to exercise, and I listen to my body and rest.  I remind myself that tomorrows a new day, and I will make sure to exercise then.  When I allow myself the needed rest, I am focused and feel accomplished at the end of my workout.  There is clarity in my thinking, and I feel good. Exercise is a great way to build resiliency during stressful moments.