Outdoor Sports Can Help Anxiety

Exercise, and getting outside for fresh air are known to be helpful to one’s well-being. With this in mind, it makes sense to combine the two and embark on some new outdoor sporting activities. You might find these are helpful in managing your anxiety disorder. 

Please Note: It is important to speak with your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine. While cold water swimming has been known to be helpful to many, it can come with health risks that should be discussed with your healthcare provider first.

Learn About Cold Water Swimming

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise because it increases the heart rate and works muscles throughout the body without putting strain or pressure on the joints. Swimming outdoors in cold water has additional benefits for mental health. As reported in this beginner’s guide to cold water swimming, 98.4% of people with anxiety noticed a reduction in their symptoms after cold water swimming. It seems that immersion in cold water triggers a surge in hormones that elicit a positive mood. 

It’s also thought that regular, controlled exposure to cold water makes us more resilient and capable of coping with stress. It’s important to embark on cold water swimming with a friend for safety reasons, and this social element of the sport can also be very positive for mental health.

My personal favorite, cold water swimming, is a unique activity that’s well worth taking the plunge for. Like others, I first got into it during the pandemic when gyms and sports facilities had to close their doors. Although I certainly needed a bit of encouragement on the first few tries, I’ve found being in the water to be incredibly beneficial for my mental health. There are few other sports that I can partake in so mindfully, clearing my mind of negative thoughts for as long as I’m battling the icy elements in the water.

Explore Benefits of Trail Running

All types of exercise can support mental health, but aerobic exercise appears to be particularly good for chronic anxiety. Running is one of the most popular forms of aerobic exercise, and trail running could be especially helpful because it involves getting out in nature. It’s been shown that spending time in green outdoor settings can help prevent mental health problems and reduce the severity of various mental health disorders including chronic anxiety. 

By taking up trail running instead of road running, you force yourself to leave your usual urban environment behind. Getting into the countryside can be very beneficial as you’re surrounded by mood-boosting greenery.

Remember, running outside on a hard surface can leave us more susceptible to long-term injuries than indoor running would. To get the maximum benefit from this activity, and to look after your bones and joints, make sure you invest in some comfortable, cushioned running shoes. And, as you should with any other physical activity, make sure you warm up sufficiently beforehand.

Discover Advantages of Team Sports

Athletes who participate in team sports such as baseball, football, and basketball may be less likely to experience depression or anxiety than those who participate in individual sports. Research found that individual sport athletes were motivated to play by goals, whereas team sport athletes were motivated to play for fun. This suggests that team sports could reduce the risk of anxiety by simply serving as an enjoyable, fulfilling pastime. 

There’s also an important social element to team sports that could play a role in its anxiety-reducing benefits too. Team athletes can seek out emotional support from their peers, and they may feel an improved sense of self-esteem by being part of a united group.

Joining a new team in any sport can be a daunting prospect. If you’re feeling anxious about starting a new hobby with strangers, or just need a bit of extra motivation to get going, ask a friend or family member whether they’d be interested in coming along with you. Even if they don’t have a keen interest in the sport, having a familiar face for the first session will help you feel more comfortable. 

Better still, ask your existing friends whether they are part of a team and if there are any openings available. If there’s no space on the team right now, you may be able to still join in some of the training sessions.

If none of your friends are interested, a great place to start your search is through your local council’s website. They’ll be able to tell you what’s going on at your local sports venues. Or conduct an online search for an activity you’re interested in to see if there are local clubs.

Choose a Sport That Suits You

While evidence points to these sports as being particularly helpful for managing anxiety disorders, the most important thing is to choose a sport that suits you. Consider the types of exercise and hobbies you already enjoy doing and ask yourself if there’s a similar outdoor alternative. For example, if you tend to spend lots of time on the rowing machine at the gym, consider joining a rowing team or try your hand at kayaking. 

Stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new outdoor sports is likely to make you feel more confident, and this in turn could help to alleviate some of your anxiety. Remember, if you’re trying a new hobby and are perhaps concerned about the physical impact it might have on your body, it’s important to always consult a medical professional for advice.