The relationship between exercise and anxiety is real and well-documented. Aerobic exercise reduces cortisol and adrenaline, stimulates endorphin production, and improves sleep quality — all directly relevant to anxiety management.
But there is a nuance that the wellness industry often glosses over: for some people, exercise-induced physiological arousal (elevated heart rate, breathlessness) can trigger panic attacks, because these sensations mirror the physical symptoms of panic.
The answer is not to avoid exercise but to approach it gently, especially at first. Walking is underrated. Swimming. Yoga. Movement that does not feel like a confrontation.
Start where you are. The goal is not performance. The goal is a nervous system that learns to trust its own body.