“When you have anxiety or depression, exercise often seems like the last thing you want to do. But once you get motivated, exercise can make a big difference.

Exercise helps prevent and improve a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis. Research on anxiety, depression and exercise shows that the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can also help reduce anxiety and improve mood.

The links between anxiety, depression and exercise aren’t entirely clear — but working out can definitely help you relax and make you feel better. Exercise may also help keep anxiety and depression from coming back once you’re feeling better.” Read more from the Mayo Clinic.

More and more experts are emphasizing the importance of exercise, for both mental and physical health, especially for people who are stressed, anxious or depressed. Despite understanding this, many people feel blocked and unmotivated. They don’t have the interest or energy, or doubt if it really will make a difference for them.

This is one of the biggest challenges for people who aren’t feeling well emotionally… they focus on how they feel and make decisions based upon these feelings. Depressed and anxious feelings can’t necessarily be trusted to support your well-being. Better to rely on your common sense to guide decision making at times like this. Give yourself a chance. Even if you don’t feel like it, spending even a short period of time doing the things you know are likely to be helpful can make a difference. Talk with your doctor or therapist about specific strategies that may help you.