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Back when I had a toddler and a newborn, only 13 months apart, I would have some awful periods of anxiety. I think I was just so overwhelmed with everything that I needed to do to care for them. Plus I felt very alone and isolated because at the time I was in a brand new neighborhood and didn't have any other "mom" friends.

Fortunately, I was introduced to yoga at this time in my life, which was a real godsend. There just happened to be a free, evening yoga class that was offered at my neighborhood community center that I could go to when my husband got home from work. It was really cool to learn about the power of breath and techniques to get relaxed and feel grounded. I found that yoga carried over into my daily life with the kids and it even helped my patience level. I went to that class once a week for nearly a year and it made a huge impact on me.

Now, about 12 years later, I still do yoga when I can, especially when I'm feeling stressed or anxious about various events in my life, and it helps tremendously.

Kristin Park
http://ppdsurvivor.blogspot.com

I suffer from a compulsive disorder, claustrophobia and acrophobia. So, I'm often feeling anxiety about things out of order, even going so far as to sort stray balls of yarn into their proper bins at the crafts store (drives my mom nuts when I do that) and constantly washing my hands or wiping things down, mooing in a crowded elevator or trying to stay as close to the center of the bridge or overpass as possible. I also suffer from vertigo, I think because of an inner ear issue.

It's hard enough being a high strung person without all the other issues. Occasionally, I'll become disoriented while driving and experience an anxiety attack - this can be frightening!

I think there is a difference between feeling anxious about something, which can be dealt with through stress management techniques, and feeling irrational anxiety. Tai chi and running have helped me deal with a lot of the irrational anxiety. Humor helps get me through the phobias when I'm put into a situation I can't control.

It's always worked for me.

A 30 minute bike ride can easily mellow me out and remind me to slow down.

Does this work for anyone else?

Exercise goes a long way in helping with anxiety. Mayo Clinic article explains how it works. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression-and-exercise/MH00043

I agree - exercise should be mandatory for people with depression, stress or anxiety - which means just about everyone!

I swam laps daily until a month before I gave birth and loved it. I think swimming is one the best, all-round forms of exercise and it's also very therapeutic. You are under water most of the time and you have time to think, to meditate, to clear your head.

I don't swim anymore, unfortunately, but I have substituted walking. I don't like it as much but it works well.

There is a clear connection between exercise and mental health and I think it's imperative that we care for our minds as much as we do our bodies.