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Inhale, squat, hold, release, exhale.One.
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Inhale, squat, hold, release, exhale.Two.
And so onuntil the end of the set.
My monkey mind stills and enters an almost meditative state.
Lifting silences my internal chatter and teaches me to savor the process of working out.
Feeling physically strong also helps me feel mentally and emotionally strong enough to face any challenges I encounter.
I lift weights at least three times a week, usually in the evenings after work.
My sister introduced me to lifting about seven months ago.
I signed up for a gym membership and started following a 12-week strength training plan for beginners.
I saw my primary care doctor, who diagnosed me with GAD and started me on an anti-anxiety drug.
The repetitive nature of lifting also satisfies my need for predictability, asuncertainty fuels my anxiety.
When I lift, I know exactly what to expect.
I know Ill move through each rep, over and over, until I finish the set.
Repetition gives my restless mind something sturdy to grasp onto.
Its something you dont even need to think about.
It can take you to a Zen-like, meditative state that quiets the cacophony of anxious thoughts.
These tactile things can be a distraction from, or help discharge, anxiety.
Lifting has also helped me manage my anxiety by boosting my confidence.
It makes me second-guess myself and shy away from pursuing what I want.
Through lifting, Ive proven to myself that Im capable of more than I give myself credit for.
Seven months ago, I couldnt imagine deadlifting nearly my body weight.
Scientists are still teasing apart how, but the focus Ive experienced during my workouts may play a role.
Again, everyones experience is different, but Ive personally found lifting to be more effective for me.
While I enjoy the exhilarating release running provides, lifting demands more of my focus.
My mind has a much harder time spiraling into rumination during a lift than during a run.
You feel like you could at least metaphorically conquer the world, she says.
Those worries seem less overwhelming.
GAD often makes my life seem more threatening than it really is.
Lifting makes me feel strong enough to tackle it.
