Exercises To Calm Your Anxious Thoughts

Exercises to Calm Your Anxious Thoughts

When your thoughts start racing, it’s easy to feel trapped in your own head. But one of the most powerful ways to calm anxiety isn’t through overthinking—it’s through movement. Shifting your body gives your mind somewhere else to go. Somewhere softer.

Here are a few practices that help bring me back to center—especially when I do them with people I love.

Yoga for Grounding

Sometimes you just need to breathe on purpose. Yoga helps you come back into your body, slow down your thoughts, and release tension that anxiety tends to store in the muscles. A slow flow, a few deep stretches, or even five minutes of breathwork can change everything.

Boxing for Release

Anxiety has energy—and sometimes it needs to move out. Boxing is one of my favorite ways to channel it. It’s physical, focused, and empowering. You leave it on the bag.

Running in Nature

Treadmills are fine—but if you can, take it outside. Running in nature shifts your environment and your mood. You start breathing with the trees. You notice birds. You forget about your phone. Suddenly, it’s not just about running—it’s about being.

Hiking with Friends

Hiking clears your head in a way nothing else does. Add a friend (or two), and it becomes connection, therapy, and meditation all in one. You’re moving forward together. No pressure to talk. Just steps, breath, and sky.

Try This:

Anxiety doesn’t like presence. So give it some:

• Move your body, even if it’s just a walk

• Choose movement that feels good, not punishing

• Invite a friend—it makes the practice lighter

• Let go of perfection. Showing up is enough

• Focus on how you feel after, not how it looks

Your thoughts don’t have to lead the day. Your body can lead you back.